Foot Pain

Foot pain is another very prevalent foot problem affecting all kinds of people. It is due to over-exertion of the foot and general stress. It usually attacks those who stand for long hours, especially if their footwear is not comfortable and supportive. This can precipitate severe muscle cramps and foot discomfort. If you are overweight, standing for a long time puts additional pressure on your feet. This can result in a variety of maladies like poor circulation in the feet, the formation of blood clots in the legs, edema of the feet or inflammation.

In order to handle the problem of foot pain, you need to pay attention to the state of your feet before irreversible damage sets in. You could start with some tried and tested natural remedies for foot pain, made from ingredients which are readily available around you. I have given some of them below, to enable you to relieve your foot pain within the sanctuary of your own home.

Home Remedies for Foot Pain

Rest Your Feet - It is obvious that the first and most important remedy for foot pain is to make sure your feet get adequate rest every day. Avoid standing for long hours. If you have a standing job, take breaks in between to sit down and to stretch your feet. This alone will make a great difference in enhancing the circulation in your feet.

Foot Bath - After a long day at work, it is very important that you give your feet a boost. Since your feet bear the weight and strain of your body throughout the day, you need to give them a good soak in warm water with a few drops of any essential oil which appeals to you. This will ease the strain and reduce the tiredness in your feet. Finish off with a moisturizer to leave your feet looking and feeling wonderful and comfortable again.

Alternate Foot Bath - Soaking your feet in hot and cold water in turn repeatedly is a proven method to boost foot circulation. Take hot and cold water in two tubs and put your feet into each tub alternately for a few minutes for as long as you feel comfortable.

Massaging - Pamper and comfort your feet with a good massage. This will improve the blood flow, tone up the muscles of your feet and relieve the pain in your heels and ankles. You could use essential oils for the massage to boost the beneficial effect. A massage by a masseur or a foot expert will give you the best results, but you can do it yourself if you wish. Remember to work the muscles from the ball of the foot to the tips of the toes using long deep strokes for best effect. . Cold Compression - Ice packs or cold compresses are another great way to soothe the painful muscle twitches and reduce swelling in your legs and feet. If your feet burn, apply a simple ice bag to ease the sting.

Exercise - Foot exercise is very important in maintaining the general health of your feet. It works out the feet muscles and strengthens them, so they can handle strenuous activity better. It also improves the blood flow and keeps the feet supple. You should always remember to wear properly designed exercise shoes so that your feet are well supported during exercise. This will help to protect them against injuries and accidents.

Toenail Trimming - You need to trim your toenails regularly to improve your foot hygiene. When your nails are unkempt they invite all kinds of illnesses like fungal infections and ingrown toenails. Keep your nails short and clean, file the edges especially around the corners and finally clean them gently with a scraper.

The Right Footwear - The wrong type of footwear can create many problems for your feet. Always choose comfort over fashion while selecting footwear, to keep your feet healthy. Uncomfortable and ill-fitting shoes or sandals can cause serious foot damage and permanently impact your health at a later stage. Your shoes should support your foot structure, be made of flexible and soft materials and allow your feet to breathe. Thus a lot of thought should go into buying a pair of shoes!

Proper Diet - Since feet are so important to us it is essential to look after their nutritional needs. If you have puffy feet you need to know that acidic foods or a high-salt diet can aggravate the swelling. Cutting these foods out of your diet can give you much relief. Too low a level of potassium in the diet can also cause foot swelling, so include fruits like banana with a high potassium content. Have ample servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water. This alone will flush out many of the toxins from your body. If your feet are prone to bacterial infections, try having foods like yogurt, and those which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish. These are potent antibacterial fighters. . Avoid Caffeine - Cut out caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea to avoid bloating or swelling of the feet. Instead, treat yourself to herbal teas and fresh fruit juices, which provide plenty of anti-oxidants and keep you glowing and healthy.