If you’re like most people, you probably don’t put a lot of effort into caring for your feet. In fact, you may neglect your feet altogether. This is despite the fact that your feet do quite a bit of work for you. After all, they carry you around each and every day.
If you don’t have shoes that fit you just right, you’ve probably experienced some problems that can cause you a bit of suffering. Corns, bunions, calluses, and even nerve damage can make walking or standing more painful than it should be.
You might also find that your feet swell and become inflamed. This is a common problem and, though not necessarily serious, can cause quite a bit of discomfort.
Why not spend a little bit of time giving your feet some TLC? Those with arthritic conditions, diabetes, and circulation disorders can particularly benefit from performing a little foot care. But even if you don’t have any health conditions that directly affect your feet, it can still feel great to ease tired and sore muscles. With that in mind, here are three soothing footbaths that you can try the next time your feet ache at the end of the day.
1. Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which could help to reduce inflammation. You absorb the magnesium sulfate through your skin when you soak in Epsom salt and warm water.
2. Lavender Essential Oil Bath
Lavender oil is antiseptic and smells wonderful, too. Lavender is known to soothe tired, sore muscles — including those overworked muscles on the soles of your feet!
3. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Combine one cup of apple cider vinegar, two cups of warm water, and 3/4 of a cup of baking soda. Soak your feet in the mixture. This footbath helps to take away odor, kills fungi, and is a natural preventative remedy for athlete’s foot.
Make sure you wear the best-fitting shoes you can afford. Also, invest in some insoles, as these can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your knees and back from stiffness and injury.