Pampering Care: Foot Soaks for Arthritis
Updated: Jul 30, 2020
When your feet ache, a little pampering can go a long way in helping you feel better. It’s a nice way to relax and relieve some of your discomfort. When you live with chronic arthritis pain, foot soaks can be more than just an occasional treat for tired feet. They can be an excellent at-home treatment method to help alleviate the aches and pains in your lower limbs.
Warm water is actually wonderful for stiffness and discomfort. It helps relax joints and loosen up stiffness. It also increases circulation to your feet, which can help with inflammation. It also reduces some of the pressures on your lower limbs. This is why it’s such an excellent home care method for feet with chronic arthritis issues. Regular foot soaks can help you relax and loosen up—both literally and figuratively, alleviating your pain.
Here are a few tips to get the most out of foot soaks for arthritis:
Use warm, not hot, water – You want to keep the water in a comfortably warm range that won’t accidentally burn your skin. This is particularly important if you have circulation issues or nerve damage to your feet.
Mix in some salts – Epsom salts are a great addition to a foot bath. These minerals are high in magnesium, which may help reduce tissue inflammation.
Move your feet and wiggle your toes – Movement is important for alleviating joint stiffness. Take the opportunity as your feet relax to stretch them a little and move around to work out some stiffness.
Try soaking your feet for about 15-20 minutes a day. Making a little extra time for your feet now will definitely be worth it in the long run, and can be quite helpful for managing chronic pain.
Foot soaks are just one more way you can care for your lower limbs when you live with arthritis. If you’re struggling with arthritis of any kind in your feet, don’t ignore the pain. Our team at Gulf South Foot & Ankle, LLC will help you put together the best treatment plan to relieve pain at home. Make an appointment today at our Metairie, LA, office by calling (504) 708-4810 or by using our online forms to contact us.