Foot pain is common and when your feet are hurting it can affect how you walk, how you feel, and even your mood. A good pair of shoes is essential to reducing your foot pain, but here are some more home remedies for foot pain.
Home Remedies For Foot Pain
When your feet hurt, the rest of your body can feel it as well. Whether you have pain in your toes, in the arch, or in the heel, foot pain can affect how well you walk and can be painful enough to ruin your day.
Learn about some of the most effective home remedies for foot pain, so that you spend more on your feet doing what you love rather than trying to deal with the pain.
What Causes Foot Pain?
Pain in the feet is common, and there are several reasons why there you might feel pain and discomfort. Before you decide which of the home remedies for foot pain is best for you, it’s best to consider the various reasons as to why your feet hurt. The reasons for pain in your feet may include, but are not limited to:
- An injury
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spurs
- Stone bruise (also known as a deep bruise)
- Heel fracture
- Morton’s neuroma
- BunionsSigns and symptoms of pain in your feet may include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Numbness or tingling
- Burning or itching
- Pain when moving or standing for extended periods
If these symptoms worsen or don’t improve after some of the home remedies we share with you, consider making an appointment with your doctor to ensure you don’t have an issue with your feet that’s responsible for the pain.
Depending on the reason for the pain in your feet, you may benefit from making an appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment options, such as surgery. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your pain, regardless of your issue causing the discomfort, these home remedies for foot pain may offer some big relief.
Hot & Cold Water Foot Baths
Foot soaks are one of the most common home remedies for foot pain, and while many people soak their feet in a warm water foot bath, some may not know that they can have more pain relief from a cold water foot bath as well.
Switching from hot and cold can help reduce swelling, pain, and increase blood flow through the feet. Start by soaking your feet in water that is comfortably warm enough to comfortably handle for about three minutes. Follow your warm soak with a cold water foot soak. You should do this about six times.
While you may want to soak your feet in a small tub, you can sit on the edge of the tub and switch between hot and cold water.
Epsom Salt or Ice
Epsom salt is a great addition to any foot bath. When the magnesium and sulfate break down in the water bath, you can reduce the pain and swelling in your feet. You can follow the directions on the package of Epsom salt, but a recommended dose is one to two cups of the salt in your foot bath.
Soak your feet for about 15 minutes and repeat when needed. You can also add some of your favorite essential oils in your warm water Epsom soak if you feel like pampering your feet. If you don’t want to use a cold water foot bath, ice therapy is a great remedy for reducing pain in your feet. Either put your feet in a small bath of ice or use ice packs. Avoid using ice for more than 15 or 20 minutes and allow your feet to rest before repeating the ice therapy.
Get a Foot Massage
A foot massage is an effective way to relieve pain quickly. While you can rub your own feet, you may get better results when someone else gives your feet a much-needed massage. Make an appointment with a professional massage therapist who specializes in foot care or you can purchase a foot massager to use at home.
Stretches and Exercise
When your feet hurt, you can try stretching or doing specific exercises that are designed to relieve foot pain. Most stretches and exercises can be performed at home and withoutequipment. Towels, resistance or exercise bands can help you stretch your feet moreeffectively.
Stretching your feet on a regular basis can not only reduce your pain, but they can also prevent sore feet.
Put Your Feet Up
Whether you’re on your feet all day or if you have an issue with your feet that causes persistent pain, putting your feet up at the end of the day can take some of the pressure off, improve blood flow, and reduce some of the pain and swelling.
Get in the habit of putting your feet up at least once a day, but don’t forget to find a balance of staying active and getting a little rest.
Baking Soda and Water
Similar to the Epsom salt bath, a foot bath of hot water and baking soda can relieve the pain in your feet. Mix a half cup of baking soda in a basin of hot water (a temperature that’s comfortable enough to withstand). Mix the baking soda with the water until it dissolves and soak your feet for up to 20 minutes; consider this treatment once a day. Try adding peppermint or eucalyptus oil.
Coconut Oil Massage
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in dozens of home remedies due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When you massage your feet, add two to three teaspoons of coconut oil. This remedy is not recommended if you use foot massagers and it’s best when you apply the oil before putting on socks.
Drink Ginger Tea
Some effective remedies for pain may be as easy as food or drink. Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking ginger tea three times a day may help relieve pain in your feet.
To make the tea, place chopped, peeled ginger root (about one-inch size) in a cup of steaming hot water. Steep for five to ten minutes and strain; add honey to the ginger tea. For best results, consider drinking ginger tea for three times a day.
Get All Your Essential Vitamins
If you don’t get enough of the essential vitamins, you may be vitamin deficient which can play a role in your chronic foot pain. Common vitamin deficiencies that can lead to foot pain include vitamin B and D.
Not only can you consider taking vitamin supplements, but don’t forget to enrich your diet with vitamin-rich food like fish, eggs, dairy, and cereals. If you think you are vitamin deficient, talk with your doctor or a nutritionist.
Use Ingredients From Your Spice Cabinet
Your spice cabinet may be the key to reducing the pain in your feet. Try one of these remedies the next time your feet hurt.
Mustard seeds is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to reduce inflammation and swelling. Put a half cup of ground mustard seeds in a basin of hot water. Soak your feet for up to 15 minutes; try this remedy once or twice a day.
You can also try the same type of foot bath with a half of a teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper. The capsaicin in the peppers makes the spice a great anti-inflammatory and has analgesic properties.
Invest In Good Shoes
Many people experience pain in their feet due to poorly fitting shoes or even cheap footwear. If you have existing conditions that make the pain more severe and persistent, it’s best to invest in high-quality footwear that has adequate padding and support.
Some shoe experts recommend replacing a pair of shoes after “500 miles,” but it will be different for every person. Look for signs such as loss of tread or a worn down heel, which may indicate it’s time to replace your shoes. To prolong the life of your shoes, consider switching them out on a regular basis.
Consider Insoles
Insoles are a great way to provide adequate support, and many are specialized to offer support in the heel, arch, or ball of the feet. Your doctor may recommend or prescribe an insole; otherwise, you can test out other insoles. Make sure to find insoles that fit your shoe properly and are comfortable.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
If your other home remedies aren’t effective for your pain, you may want to consider over-the- counter pain relievers. Remember if the pain worsens, contact your doctor.
Final Thoughts
All of the remedies that we’ve discussed are designed to be used alone or with others. Once you find a remedy that works, stick to a treatment plan and try to make it a routine to keep your feet feeling pain-free.
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