Selfcare and hygiene have become top priorities for people worldwide due to heightened awareness of the link between these practices and overall health. More individuals are paying attention to their skin, hair, and bodycare needs, but the majority are forgetting to care for their feet. People neglect foot care since there’s limited awareness of long-term consequences, and some of us aren’t taught proper foot hygiene or the importance of wearing well-fitting shoes, leading to foot conditions and pain later on. A study has shown that about 87 percent of people have painful feet at some point in their lives, while a third of older adults have foot pain, aching feet, or stiffness. What’s more, people of all ages are experiencing foot issues like bunions, athletes foot, and toenail fungus, which can cause discomfort or pain.
Taking care of your feet is essential to maintain an active and pain-free life. But you don’t need to buy special or expensive products to reduce pain or discomfort as simple solutions may work to keep your feet in great shape. To step up your footcare routine, here are some natural home remedies for common foot problems.
Epsom Salt Foot Soaks for Pain Relief
Having tired, aching, and swollen feet can affect your mobility and overall lifestyle, so giving your feet some extra TLC is a must. Self massage using a manual roller, an acupressure ball, or an electric shiatsu massager can help to relieve swelling and pain. But if you don’t have access to these tools at the moment, think about doing an Epsom salt foot soak in your bathroom. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, has long been used as an exfoliant and muscle relaxant, and it also improves skin issues like minor cuts and swelling. This makes it the perfect remedy for foot pain caused by wearing high heels, tight shoes, or walking for an extended period of time.
To make a foot soak, fill your tub or basin with warm water until there’s enough of it to completely submerge your feet. Add half a cup of Epsom salt to the water plus a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil, then soak your feet for 30 minutes to about an hour twice or thrice a week. Those with sore feet or corns should do Epsom salt soaks regularly to alleviate pain. If you have a foot condition such as plantar fasciitis or bunions, note that a foot soak may help to relieve inflammation and joint stiffness. Keep in mind though that this remedy can only manage symptoms like swelling and pain, and it doesn’t help to correct the condition itself. For these foot problems, it may be necessary to consult a podiatrist for proper treatment. For instance, if the bunion has caused toe misalignment, loss in flexibility and function, or severe pain, it may be wise to talk to a specialist to see if a bunion operation may be needed to correct the issue and restore your foot’s structure.
DIY Masks and Natural Moisturizers for Dry, Cracked Skin
Do you have dry, cracked, or peeling skin on your heels and the soles of your feet? This may seem like a non-issue compared to other foot problems, but having severely dry skin or deep cracks on your heels can cause pain and bleeding later on. This increases your risks of an infection, which can be a cause for concern especially if you have poor circulation or diabetes. Lack of hydration, constant exposure to cold air, being overweight or obese, or a Vitamin B3 deficiency can cause cracked heels and dry skin on your feet. To improve matters, avoid using harsh soaps and taking overly long showers, and focus on keeping your heels and feet properly moisturized.
You can use a foot mask and lotion for this purpose, but if you’d rather go natural, think about making a DIY foot mask from ingredients that you can find in your kitchen, then do your treatment before bedtime. For a hydrating and soothing mask, simply mash one banana or half an avocado, and add 2 tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of whole milk, and 5 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil. Apply the mask all over your feet and heels, then wrap your feet in plastic and let the mask soak in for about 40 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with warm water, then apply petroleum jelly, aloe vera gel, or sesame oil to your feet. Wear socks for deeper hydration, and keep them on until morning.
Taking care of your feet is a must to live a pain-free and active lifestyle. Try these natural home remedies to keep your feet in top condition, and prevent simple foot issues from becoming worse.
