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During the Christmas season, everyone is exchanging gifts with those they love. Why not show some of that love to your feet? After all the shopping, traveling, and running around to all the events that go on during this time of year, most feet have taken a beating. Try some of these treatments you can do from home to pamper your feet.
The most important part of a foot soak is the warm water. Avoid water that is too hot or too cold since the perfect warm water temperature will help you to relax and soothe those achy muscles. Dissolve one cup of Epsom salt into the water and a tablespoon of baking soda to help moisturize your skin and counteract foot odor.
If you want to take your soak up another level, add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The most popular oil for relaxation is lavender, but anything that smells good to you and helps you relax or rejuvenate your mind will work. Let your feet sit in the water bath for at least 20 minutes for best results.
Scrubs are ideal for removing rough, dead skin that won’t seem to go away on its own. While there are plenty of products you can buy that help remove skin that works like sandpaper, there are some more mild scrubs you can make at home that are less harsh.
For a simple, basic foot scrub recipe, mix together a tablespoon of any type of sugar or coarse salt with a tablespoon of baking soda. Combine until well incorporated and then add in a tablespoon of olive oil. On its own, the scent isn’t very pleasant, so if desired, mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oil and stir together completely.
Using your hand, rub the mixture over your feet gently, paying attention to those rough, dry spots. Once you have worked over your feet, rinse them off with warm water and dry off with a towel. If you want to add an extra step, rub lotion on your feet after they are dry.
If during your personal pampering you notice that around your toenail you have redness, hard skin, swelling, pain or tenderness, you might have an ingrown toenail. Talk to a podiatrist about what treatments you might be able to do if you catch it in time. Early interventions can help prevent major problems down the road.
After all your efforts to pamper your feet, keep the luxurious feeling longer by wearing proper footwear. If you have problems with your arches, tendons, or bunions and require extra support, make sure that you are wearing the orthotics as much as possible. Likewise, if you have diabetes, it is important to wear shoes and diabetic specific footwear to help prevent swelling and pain in your feet. When you take care of your feet, they will feel more comfortable throughout your day, giving you less pain overall.
