About Foot Soaks

If you spend a lot of time standing at your job, your feet can really hurt. You might also get sore feet from a long hike in the woods or raking leaves all day. Sore feet can make you feel miserable, but a relaxing foot soak can relieve aching feet and provide other benefits, as well.

Benefits

Soaking your feet can improve circulation and relax sore muscles up through your legs. Foot soaks also are great for skin, which can become dry due to circulation issues or continuous perspiration and drying. Foot soaks can treat calluses and corns, and also soften toenails for easy trimming.

Considerations

You can buy whirlpool-style foot soak tubs at department stores, drug stores and discount stores. A simple wide and shallow bucket will also do the trick, as long as you can easily fit both feet inside, and the water reaches your ankles without spilling.

Ingredients

The most basic foot soak begins with a bucket of water hot enough for your feet to feel comfortable, and 1/2 cup of Epsom salts. Sea salt works, as well. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda if you prefer. These ingredients, along with the hot water, ease sore feet and also draw toxins from the skin. You also can add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to make it an even more pleasant experience. Foot soaks should last at least 20 minutes. Afterward, brush your feet with a loofah sponge or a gentle brush, and then rub lotion into them.

Potential

Foot soaks are effective at treating calluses and corns. Calluses are areas of hardened, thick skin that build up over time because of repeated contact and friction, and typically occur on the heels and balls of feet. Corns are painful calluses that occur on small specific areas, usually toes. They are typically caused by shoes that create too much pressure and friction, as in pointed toes. Frequent foot soaks, especially daily ones, can treat these conditions. After the soak, use a pumice stone to remove the calluses and corns, and apply lotion to your feet, particularly to these problem areas.

Caution

If you have foot pain that does not subside, check with your physician. People with diabetes are advised to ask their doctors about foot soaks before beginning because of their circulation issues.