Standing all day can do a number on your feet — especially if you’re over 50 or wearing the wrong shoes. Whether you’re on your feet at work, walking the Mount Dora festivals, or running errands around town, it’s common to feel that deep, aching soreness by the end of the day.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to relieve foot pain after standing all day using simple, drug-free techniques you can try at home. From soothing soaks to easy massage tricks — and even how to prevent pain with better footwear — these tips are backed by comfort experts right here at Becker’s Best Shoes.
Soak Your Feet in Warm Water with Epsom Salts
One of the easiest ways to relieve foot pain after standing all day is with a warm foot soak. Warm water helps relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and ease general soreness — especially in your arches and heels.
To get the most relief:
Use a basin or foot spa that comfortably fits both feet
Fill it with warm (not hot) water
Add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt, which may help reduce swelling and ease tension
Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently pat them dry
For extra comfort, consider adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender (for relaxation) or peppermint (for a cooling effect). You can do this while watching TV, reading, or just enjoying a quiet moment after a busy day.
Pro tip from Becker’s Best Shoes: Foot soaks are especially helpful if you’ve been walking around all day at Mount Dora festivals or sightseeing with visitors — both fun, but hard on your feet!
Use Ice to Calm Swelling and Inflammation
Not all foot pain is the same. If your feet feel hot, puffy, or tender to the touch after a long day, you might be dealing with inflammation — not just soreness. In that case, a cold compress or ice pack can be a better choice than heat.
Here’s how to do it safely:
Wrap a handful of ice cubes or a reusable ice pack in a thin towel or cloth
Sit down and elevate your feet slightly
Apply the compress to the sore or swollen area for 15 to 20 minutes
Repeat once or twice a day as needed, with at least 30 minutes between sessions
Avoid placing ice directly on the skin — this can cause skin damage or discomfort. You’re aiming to reduce inflammation, not numb the area entirely.
When should you use ice instead of warm water?
If your foot feels visibly swollen, has redness, or feels warm or “tight” to the touch, ice is the better option. If it’s more of a dull ache or general soreness, warm soaks may work better.
And of course, if pain persists or gets worse, it’s always smart to check in with a podiatrist or healthcare provider — especially if you have existing foot conditions.
Give Yourself a Foot Massage — or Ask a Friend!
If your feet feel tight or tender after standing all day, a simple foot massage can do wonders. Massaging helps increase blood flow, loosen stiff muscles, and release built-up tension — especially in the arches, heels, and toes.
Here’s an easy method you can do at home:
Sit in a comfortable chair and rest one foot across your opposite knee.
Apply a generous amount of lotion or massage oil to your foot.
Use your thumbs to press gently into the sole, working in small circles around the arch and heel.
Massage each toe individually, then move to the ball of the foot.
Switch feet after a few minutes and repeat.
Want deeper pressure? Try using a massage ball or even a tennis ball under your foot — or if you’re lucky, ask a partner or friend for a quick rubdown.
Many of our customers here in Mount Dora say they make this part of their evening routine, especially after walking all day at one of our downtown events or festivals.
You don’t need fancy tools — just a few minutes of focused pressure and the right motion can bring real relief.
Relieve Heel Pain with a Foot Roller or Water Bottle
If you’re feeling pain specifically in your heels or arches after a long day of standing, you might be dealing with early signs of plantar fasciitis — a common cause of foot pain, especially in people over 50.
A simple way to ease this discomfort is by rolling the bottom of your foot over a rounded object. This helps stretch the fascia (the connective tissue under your foot) and can break up tightness and tension.
Try this easy technique:
Grab a foot roller, a frozen water bottle, or even a can of soup.
Sit in a chair and place the object on the floor.
Gently roll your foot back and forth over it, focusing on the arch and heel area.
Apply light pressure, especially where it feels tight.
Do this for 2–3 minutes per foot, once or twice a day.
A frozen water bottle adds the benefit of cold therapy to reduce inflammation while you roll. It’s a two-for-one solution that many of our customers swear by — especially those on their feet all day at work or out walking around downtown Mount Dora.
Tip: If heel pain becomes chronic or sharp, it’s worth stopping by Becker’s Best Shoes. We carry brands like Vionic and ON, known for their arch support and cushioning — ideal for plantar fasciitis relief.
Support Starts at the Source: Your Shoes Matter
While soaking, icing, and massage can all provide relief, the best way to fight foot pain is to prevent it from happening in the first place — and that starts with wearing the right shoes.
When you’re standing or walking for hours, especially on hard surfaces, your shoes need to do more than just look good. They should offer:
Proper arch support
Shock-absorbing soles
A cushioned heel
A snug but comfortable fit (not too loose or too tight)
Wearing unsupportive shoes — even stylish ones — can cause or worsen heel pain, arch strain, and ball-of-foot pressure. Over time, this adds up to chronic discomfort that no foot soak can fully fix.
At Becker’s Best Shoes in Mount Dora, we help customers every day who are struggling with foot pain caused by poor footwear. That’s why we carry comfort-first brands like:
Vionic – known for podiatrist-designed footbeds
ON – lightweight performance shoes with excellent support
Birkenstock – classic cork footbeds that mold to your feet
Spring Step, Rieker, and OluKai – stylish options with built-in support
Not sure which shoe is right for your feet? Stop by the shop and let our team help you get properly fitted. Even small changes — like a better insole or a more supportive heel — can make a big difference by the end of your day.
Take the First Step Toward Happier Feet
Foot pain after standing all day isn’t something you just have to “live with.” Whether you’re working on your feet, exploring Mount Dora’s beautiful downtown, or just moving through your daily routine, your feet deserve a little care.
From Epsom salt soaks to foot rollers and massage, these simple, medication-free techniques can help bring real relief — and it all starts at home. But if you find yourself dealing with sore arches or heel pain day after day, it might be time to look at your shoes.
At Becker’s Best Shoes, we specialize in helping people find footwear that supports their lifestyle and reduces daily discomfort. Our experienced team can help you find the perfect fit — and your feet will thank you.
📍 Visit us in historic downtown Mount Dora to explore our comfort-first brands, or join our VIP list for tips, sales alerts, and special perks all year long.