Out of all our body parts, we overwork out feet the most on a regular basis. Foot pain is one of the most universal problems afflicting people. Foot pain is not restricted to any specific part of the foot, but can affect the sole, toes, arch, heel or ankles.
Foot pain is a result of overworking the feet by excessive walking, uncomfortable shoes, old age, ingrown toe nails or standing for a long duration.
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If you are sure your foot pain does not result from a medical condition, then there are a number of home remedies that can alleviate foot pain.
Epsom Salt
After a long day of walking or wearing uncomfortable shoes, the best way to unwind after coming home is use Epsom salt to ease the pain in your feet. Fill a basin with warm water and add four tablespoons of Epsom salt to it. Soak your feet in this solution to ease the pain. After 15 minutes, remove your feet from the basin, dry it and use a good moisturiser. This home remedy increases blood flow and reduces swelling.
Oil Massage
Combine 3 teaspoons of sesame oil with 3 drops of clove oil to improve circulation and help release the cramped muscles. Start massaging from the balls of the foot, using circular and deep strokes, and move across the entire foot to the toes. Pay extra attention to the toes by gently tugging on them individually. Camomile oil, olive oil and lavender oil are other alternatives that can be used in massage to stimulate blood circulation in your feet.
Diet
You can alleviate foot pain by consuming the right food. Bloating of the feet occurs when there is fluid retention in the body. Food items like banana relieve fluid retention as it contains potassium. Fish, yoghurt, and poultry are low in sodium, so they keep the fluid level balanced and prevent bloating of your feet. To avoid swelling, asparagus, tea and coffee can be used as a natural diuretics to flush out your system.
Hot and Cold Water
Alternating between hot and cold water promotes blood circulation in the feet. Water relieves pain from varicose veins and has been found to slow down its development. Dip your feet in hot water for 2-3 minutes and do the same with cold water for 5-6 minutes. Repeat this process four times for optimum results. The hot water will improve circulation while cold water soothes inflammation. Cold water can be replaced with an ice pack, which reduces pain and swelling.
Vinegar
Vinegar is used as a home remedy to soothe numerous ailments, including foot pain. If you have sprained or strained your feet, a hot and cold vinegar and water wrap can be used to reduce the pain. Take two vessels filled with equal amounts of water and vinegar. The water in one vessel must be hot, while the other must contain cold water. Immerse a towel in the hot water vessel, squeeze out the excess water and wrap it around your foot for five minutes. Do the same with the cold water. Alternate between these two wraps at least three to four times.
The best home remedy for foot pain is buying a comfortable pair of shoes that will not wear out your feet. You can also prevent foot pain by improving your posture using yoga. Maintaining proper foot hygiene and ensuring that you give your overworked feet some time off will ensure that your feet never bother you on a regular basis.