If your feet are commonly sore at the end of a long day, you're probably not doing all that you can to keep them healthy and strong, or to protect them from the rigors of supporting your weight. During this upcoming new year, make a resolution to treat your feet better. Here's a look at several smaller resolutions that will help you achieve that goal.

Resolution #1: Stretch your feet every day.

The muscles in your feet become tense at the end of a long day. In its mildest form, this tension can cause soreness, and if allowed to linger unaddressed for long periods of time, it may even lead to injuries such as pulled tendons. Stretching daily helps keep the muscles in your feet loose.

An easy way to stretch your feet is to perform toe raises. Stand barefoot on a soft surface, and slowly raise your heels off of the ground until you're standing on the balls of your feet. Hold this position for 10 seconds, and then sink your heels back down. Perform 10 toe raises every morning and another 10 in the evening to loosen and gradually strengthen the muscles in your feet.

Resolution #2: Replace your shoes with more supportive, comfortable ones.

Many people choose style over comfort when choosing shoes, but those uncomfortable shoes can really do a number on your feet. This year, resolve to replace one pair of your uncomfortable, possibly worn out shoes with a new, comfortable and supportive pair each month. By the end of the year, you'll have 12 pairs of good shoes to wear, and that's enough for most anyone.

Resolution #3: Treat yourself to an Epsom salt foot soak once per week.

On the last day of every workweek this year, spoil yourself by soaking your feet in a tub of warm water and Epsom salts. The soak does more than just relax your feet. Magnesium and sulfate ions from the Epsom salts actually pass through your skin and help heal your muscles. The soak will also keep the skin on your feet healthy, so you're less prone to problems like corns and ingrown toenails.

For best results, use about 1/4 cup of Epsom salts in 2 gallons of warm water, and soak your feet for 12 to 15 minutes.

All goals and resolutions are easier to keep if you write them down. Jot these goals down on a piece of paper and hang it on your fridge so you don't forget to take better care of your feet this year. Create more items for your resolution's list by contacting a specialist such as Family Foot & Ankle Physicians.