Home Remedies To Relieve Foot Pain
1. Essential Oils
a. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (2). Hence, they may be used for treating foot pain.
10 drops of eucalyptus oil A large bowl filled with hot water
Do this 1-2 times a day.
b. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties (3). Thus, peppermint oil may help in relieving foot pain and also symptoms like redness and swelling.
10-12 drops of peppermint oil A large bowl of hot water
Do this once a day.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. A study found that sodium bicarbonate injections relieved pain due to knee osteoarthritis (4). Hence, it may help relieve foot pain and inflammation.
1/2 cup of baking soda A bowl of hot water
Do this once a day.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties (5). This may help in treating foot pain. 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil Do this once a day, preferably before bedtime.
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to it (6). Hence, it may be used to treat foot pain.
1/2 cup of Epsom salt A bowl of hot water
Do this once a day.
5. Ginger
Ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (7), (8). This may help in combating foot pain and inflammation.
1 inch of ginger 1 cup of hot water Honey
Do this 3 times a day.
6. Hot Or Cold Compress
Hot and cold compresses may work great in combination for treating foot pain. A hot compress may help in improving the blood circulation to the foot. A cold compress may reduce the pain and inflammation by numbing the affected area (9), (10).
Hot water bottle Ice pack
Do this whenever you experience pain.
7. Vitamins
Deficiencies in vitamin D are known to cause chronic pain and weakness (11). Hence, it is important that you follow a diet containing all important vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Foods that contain vitamin D (fish, meat, eggs, dairy, cheese, oranges, soy milk, and cereals). Consume vitamin D-rich foods. Do this very often. Note: Consult a doctor before taking additional vitamin supplements.
8. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties (12). These properties may help in reducing inflammation and the intensity of the foot pain. 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil Do this daily.
9. Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds are rich in nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties (13). These properties may be beneficial in treating foot pain. They may also help reduce other symptoms, like swelling, inflammation, and tenderness.
1/2 cup of mustard seeds A large bowl of hot water
Do this 1-2 times a day.
10. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a rich source of a compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (14). This may help reduce the intensity of foot pain.
1/2 teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper A large bowl or bucket of water
Do this once a day. These remedies may relieve the symptoms of foot pain. If you want to prevent its recurrence, here are some tips that may be helpful.
Prevention Tips
Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid high heels and narrow-toed shoes. Eat healthily and maintain a good weight. Stretch before engaging in any vigorous activity. Practice foot hygiene. Always wear footwear when outside to prevent damage to the feet. Massage the feet once in a while to promote blood circulation.
Your foot may be hurting due to an injury or a medical condition. The most common factors that cause foot pain are listed below.
What Causes Foot Pain?
Wearing footwear that doesn’t fit properly Wearing high heels, which puts a lot of pressure on the toes High impact exercises or sports activities Medical conditions, like arthritis, diabetes, and plantar fasciitis Obesity Pregnancy Foot injuries Corns, calluses, warts, and ingrown toenails Medications that cause swelling of the feet
From a minute injury to an underlying medical condition – any of these factors might be responsible for foot pain. Let us now look at the common symptoms associated with this issue.
Signs And Symptoms Of Foot Pain
Pain and tenderness in the foot Swelling Redness Bruising Numbness or tingling sensation Shooting pain in the affected foot Pain while moving or while standing for too long Skin discoloration and burning or itchy sensation around the foot
The signs and symptoms vary to a great extent, depending on the cause and type of foot pain. Let’s now take a look at the types of foot pain.
Types Of Foot Pain
Heel Pain: The pain in the heels of your feet could be due to medical conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Ball Foot Pain: Aches in the ball of your foot are usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or medical conditions like metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, or sesamoiditis. Arch Pain: The common culprits behind arch pain are plantar fasciitis and flat feet. Toe Pain: Gout, which is also a form of arthritis, is the most common cause of foot pain. Those with a bunion, hammer toe, or claw toe are also susceptible to toe pain.
Other than these, people may sometimes experience pain in the outer edge of the foot. This could possibly be because of a broken metatarsal bone. Why do I have pain in the middle of my foot? Any pain in the middle or the arch of the foot could be a result of a common medical condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused due to the inflammation of the fibrous tissue at the bottom of the foot (called plantar fascia). You can follow simple stretches to reduce the pain What does diabetic foot pain feel like? Diabetic foot pains are usually the result of peripheral neuropathy, which is one of the most common forms of diabetic neuropathy. Your legs and feet are affected first, and that is why they begin to ache and feel numb. Can foot pain be related to heart problems? Yes, foot pain can be linked to heart problems because it indicates a malfunction in your blood circulation. Ankle or foot swelling is another common symptom of an impending cardiac event, though other non-cardiac explanations also exist. Oedema may appear as a symptom of right heart failure (15). Can blocked arteries cause foot pain? Yes, narrowing or blocked arteries cause a decrease in blood flow, which may induce foot pain. Blocked arteries could be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). What cancers cause foot pain? Cancers of the kidney, breast, prostate, colon, and lung frequently spread to the foot. Symptoms of metastatic cancer to the foot bones can include pain and swelling, stiffness, and a limp (16).
