The Benefits of Epsom Salt Soaks
If you’re looking to show your feet some love, Epsom salt soaks are the perfect way to destress while focusing on foot care. For those who aren’t familiar, Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral salt used by many to treat both the mind and body. There are healing benefits found in the salt and plenty of podiatrists recommend using at-home soaks as an affordable way to manage muscle pains.
How It Works
Epsom salt soaks are a great way to naturally ease minor aches and pains in the body – particularly your feet. The steps are fairly simple and easy to follow.
Most drugstores offer a great selection of Epsom salts, but you can also find them online. When choosing which bag to purchase, pick one that’s made of 100% magnesium sulfate.
For a full bath soak, pour about a cup to a cup and a half of Epsom salts into your tub, fill with hot water, and allow the salt to dissolve into the water. Once your tub is full and the water has dropped to a comfortable temperature, carefully get into the bath and rest for about 15 to 30 minutes.
For a foot soak, you can fill your tub up to ankle level and add half a cup of salts to the bath. Rest your feet in the water for 15 to 30 minutes. After your soak, you can give yourself a gentle foot massage with scented lotion or oils to further help achy feet.
The Benefits
Users reap the benefits of these soaks by dissolving Epsom salt into hot water, releasing the magnesium and sulfate ions. While resting in a soak can help physically, it can also help mentally.
Epsom salt is great for muscle pains. Between the warm water and release of magnesium, soaks are especially helpful after long days spent on your feet or following a tough workout. If you have sore feet or corns, consider soaking your feet regularly to help reduce pain.
Have a splinter you can’t seem to remove on your own? The magnesium in Epsom salt also helps fight inflammation, which can make for an easier removal.
These warm, relaxing soaks are great for stress relief. Some brands carry Epsom salts infused with scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus.
Epsom salts aid in eliminating foot odor, but they also help to fight some fungal infections.
While incorporating Epsom salt soaks into your daily routine is a great way to manage minor aches in your feet, it’s always important to talk with your podiatrist if you have any concerns about pain.
Advanced Feet and Ankle Care is here to assist you with any of your podiatry needs! To make an appointment with Jason M. Grossman, DPM, and Paul A. Osemene, DPM, call us at (732) 679-4330 or click here to schedule an appointment. The staff at our Old Bridge and Sayreville offices are ready and eager to help.