There are many factors that can affect foot pain. However, there are a number of homemade tips and tricks that can help alleviate it naturally. Discover them!
Foot pain is a symptom that can appear due to undue physical effort, injury, or certain medical conditions. Most of the time it is mild and sporadic; however, many perceive it continuously or severely.
The feet are the fulcrum of the whole body and, therefore, have to support all its weight. In addition, next to the legs, they facilitate the ability to move. Because of this, they are exposed to injuries and illnesses that trigger pain and another discomfort.
Do you know how to combat this problem? The first step is to see a doctor to determine the causes of pain. As complementary measures and in the mildest cases, some natural care and remedies that could relieve pain can be tried at home.
Here we share in detail some simple tricks that you can put into practice.
Main causes of foot pain
There are multiple factors that can influence the appearance of foot pain. The most frequent have to do with lifestyles, such as the use of inappropriate shoes or the practice of intense physical exercise. However, it can also originate from medical conditions such as:
- Overweight and obesity
- Foot ulcers (diabetic foot)
- Nerve damage to feet
- Blocked or hardened arteries in the legs and feet
- Tendonitis and sprains
- Bunions or malformations
- Athlete’s foot
- Plantar fasciitis
- Uric acid accumulation
- Fluid retention
Keys to relieve foot pain at home
Before trying some remedies to relieve foot pain, it is essential to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. You can also try a series of cares that can help relieve pain:
- Wash them every day with neutral soap and warm water (no more than 38 ° C).
- Wear comfortable, spacious and padded shoes.
- Avoid excessive use of high-heeled shoes.
- Cut your nails whenever necessary. If you can’t do it yourself, go to a podiatrist. Nails should be cut straight and not too short.
- Do relaxation exercises for your feet, for example with a tennis ball.
- Adopt habits to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, see a doctor to help manage it.
- If you are diabetic, you must take extreme care and go to the doctor whenever injuries, spots, sores or swelling appear.
- Sleep with your feet slightly higher than your knees, thus activating the return circulation.
Homemade tricks to relieve foot pain
Resting and consuming pain reliever medicine can help decrease foot pain. In addition, as additional help, you can try a series of natural remedies that, thanks to their properties, help to relax the affected area and provide relief.
Footbath
Although, as we have said, you should not stop going to the doctor, the alternating hot/cold water baths or the application of cold to the feet can help to relieve pain. The cryotherapy is a type of surface thermotherapy based on the application of the cold as a therapeutic agent.
- In a container place warm water and add sea salt. Dip your feet, massage gently, and then apply cold water; This will activate the blood circulation.
- Dry the footwell, especially between the toes. Then apply a softening cream (never between the fingers) or talcum powder or special powder.
Ginger bath
The ginger is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. If you feel foot pain after a long day of work, this remedy could help you:
- Grate a good amount of ginger in about 2 liters of boiling water. When it is warm, put your feet in and massage them; This will help you activate circulation.
Horse chestnut
In addition to the known beneficial effects of extracts of horse chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum ) on venous insufficiency and associated conditions, horse chestnut seeds contain saponins, which are anti-inflammatory compounds.
- It is useful to improve blood circulation and eliminate inflammation. Apply it in the form of compresses or creams. You can replace it with rosemary essential oil, which is also anti-inflammatory.
Arnica
Arnica is a plant that has been used for pain relief. Some studies have verified that the extracts of this plant have antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Put a few drops of arnica tincture in warm water, put your feet in and let them rest for a few minutes. Do not soak your feet more than 10 minutes with this preparation because they can dry out.
- A castor oil massage will remove irritation and dryness.
Exercises to improve the muscles of the feet
- Place a tennis ball on the floor and rest the sole of your barefoot on it, roll it by massaging the arch of the foot, from the heel to the toe.
- Lying or sitting on the floor, with your legs stretched out and the balls of your feet up, stretch them forward and return to the starting position.
- Sitting on the floor or bed, rotate your feet to describe circles, as wide as possible.
- Always with bare feet, sitting on a chair or the floor, flex your toes as if you wanted to grab something with them; you can add a towel or a ball, and try to take it with your fingers.
To finish, what do you think of these simple tips to relieve foot pain? It is well worth putting them into practice to have healthy and relaxed feet.