For many people, painful foot problems are a common by-product of daily life. Sometimes, it's caused by demands at work, a long list of household chores, or a side effect of another health issue. Thankfully, there are many actions to take from the comfort of your home. If your feet are irritating you, here are a few tips.

How to Treat Foot Problems at Home

1. Warm Water Bath

A small basin or bucket with warm water and Epsom salts can help relieve pain in your feet. Epsom salts are readily available at most drugstores and are fantastic for soothing sore muscles and swelling. Some blends have essential oils, like vanilla or ginger for extra aromatherapy. A soak of about 15 to 20 minutes can go a long way.

2. Ice Bath

Alternatively, an ice bath may be better if your feet feel considerably sore and swollen. Simply fill your basin or bucket with water and ice cubes. A bag of crushed ice from the grocery store or gas station can help fill it up faster than using the ones from the ice trays you have at home. For safety, do not soak your feet for more than 20 minutes. Alternatively, if an ice bath is too much, you can fill a plastic bag with some ice and rest it on your feet. 

3. Massages

However, certain foot problems may do better with direct pressure. Achy muscles respond really well to a self-massage with a good massage oil or lotion. Try applying slightly more pressure on the tender spots and gently stretch your foot as you work your way around. 

4. Elevate

Whether it's right when you get home or before you sleep, try elevating your feet for a few minutes. This could be on an ottoman while you sit in a chair or you can go higher and raise your legs and lean them against the wall. Doing this alleviates the pressure and allows for more blood flow throughout your legs.

5. Replace Your Insoles

If you have high or low arches, most shoes can wear you out or become outright uncomfortable. Investing in a good pair of insoles can help mitigate this problem. Even if you don't have arch issues, some shoes are too stiff, especially if you have to stand or walk around for hours on end. A little bit of cushioning will help. 

However, if these painful foot problems persist, then it's important to see a professional podiatrist at Choice Podiatry Associates in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, region. Their highly trained team treats patients of all ages, so whether you're well into retirement, just out of college, or have a child with foot issues, they can help. You can learn about all their foot care services on their website. If you'd like to book an appointment at their Kenwood location, call (513) 984-1911. To speak to someone at their Bridgetown location, call (513) 574-2424.