Are you in charge of cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year? Standing for hours can leave your feet aching, but you don’t have to let foot pain keep you from serving up the best dinner yet.
This month, our expert team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center shares five tips to keep your feet happy this holiday season.
Even if you’re only in the kitchen for a few hours, shoes matter. Slip-resistant, cushioned shoes with good arch support help reduce strain on your feet, ankles, and knees. If you have custom orthotics, don’t forget to wear them.
Avoid standing in socks or thin-soled shoes for long periods; it might look cozy, but doing so can worsen foot pain. Wearing supportive shoes even inside your house is even more important if you have diabetes.
Tip: To reduce the risk of tracking germs (like staph) and outdoor pollutants into your home, keep a dedicated pair of “indoor” shoes. This helps protect your floors and your feet from unwanted contaminants.
You don’t have to stand nonstop while cooking. Set a timer to remind yourself to sit for a few minutes every hour.
During your break, stretch your calves, ankles, and arches to improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
Standing on hard kitchen floors can increase pressure on your feet. Anti-fatigue mats provide cushioning that reduces foot, leg, and lower back discomfort.
Even a small mat in front of the sink or stove can make a big difference during long cooking sessions.
Not all tasks have to be completed while standing. Plan to sit while you prep veggies. You can sit at your kitchen table while you cut green beans, peel potatoes, or chop onions for the dressing.
Tip: While sitting and prepping veggies, roll a tennis ball under your arches for a mini foot massage.
Holiday cooking can be hectic, so in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, prep your workspace.
Arrange your kitchen work areas to minimize standing or walking unnecessary distances. Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
You might also want to spread the work out over several days. You don’t need to do everything on Thanksgiving morning. If possible, plan your menu and prep as many things ahead of time as possible. For example, gelatin dishes, most sides, and even pie can be made a day or two ahead of time.
After a long day in the kitchen, don’t forget to pamper your feet! Soak them in a warm foot bath with Epsom salt. The heat soothes sore muscles, and the salt helps ease pain and muscle cramps.
Rub thick lotion on your heels after your foot soak, and elevate your feet if they’re swollen.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Don’t push through severe or persistent discomfort. If foot pain interferes with daily activities like cooking, shopping, or walking, schedule an evaluation with your Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle podiatrist and get help before the holidays are in full swing.
Depending on what’s causing your foot pain — plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and bunions are just a few of the many causes of foot pain — we can recommend the right treatments for you.
Don’t let foot pain ruin your holiday season. Schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations: Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Thornton, Evergreen, and South Granby, Colorado.
