While not representing a deadly problem, burning sensations in one’s feet are a rather common problem which may affect anyone at any stage of their life, regardless of gender or age.
Quite often, the reason for feeling any burning or discomfort in your feet is due to some damage done to the nervous, or any other dysfunction of the nerves. It can also sometimes be connected to toxin exposure, overconsumption of alcohol and diabetes.
But even that’s not all. Other potential factors may be deficiencies in thiamine, folic acid, calcium or vitamin B. Then there’s any type of foot injuries or traumas, athletes foot, insect bites and stings, diseased kidneys, burning foot syndrome and peripheral vascular disease. So many, we know.
Other than the burning sensation one can feel at their feet, other symptoms may include swelling, redness, dull aches, increased perspiration, peeling skin as well as changes in its color and texture. An increase in body temperature may also occur.
And since there are so many possible causes for burning feet, the remedies and treatments for them also vary. It can be prescribed or over-the-counter medications, but our firm belief is that the best way to treat anything wrong with our bodies is through consumption of healthy, natural foods.
One should always consult with their physician on such matter in order to find the best solution, but you can try these 10 simple methods to get some much-needed relief.
1. Cold Water
Simple, right? As basic as it seems, cold water is one of the best natural remedies for aching feet. It helps ease (or even get rid of) any tingling, swelling, and numbness. Best of all, you don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to acquire this easy remedy.
Nor do you have to empty your pockets like you do with some prescription drugs whose beneficial effect is questionably “better” than the side effects it can offer. Here’s what to do:
1. Fill a small tub with cold water
2. Give your feet a good soak for a couple of minutes
3. Rest and then soak them again
4. Do this several times during one day for best results
But beware! Soaking your feet in cold water for more than just a few minutes can actually make your symptoms worse! Same goes with applying an ice pack directly on your aching foot. Also, for those individuals who suffer from erythromelalgia, using this method is strongly advised against as it can worsen the condition.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is your best buddy when it comes to many things, and this includes restoring your body’s pH levels, which also helps with reducing the burning sensation in your feet.
Best to mix two tablespoons of unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar in one glass of warm water. For the best results, make sure to drink it on an everyday basis.
Another option you can try is adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a tub filled with hot water. You can also mix some Epsom salt, or if you find yourself lacking, sea salt will also do the trick. Now just soak those sore feet in there for a total of 20 minutes. Best to do this twice daily.
3. Turmeric
We won’t be overdoing it when we say this is the king of all spices. Is there something it’s not beneficial for? Apparently, it’s even effective for reducing any burning sensations you might have on your feet. You see, the active compound in turmeric, curcumin is fantastic at its job of improving your body’s circulation and blood flow. It also possesses powerful anti-inflammatory abilities.
One to two tablespoons of turmeric in a glass of warm water twice a day would be the best thing to do.
Other than drinking it, you can also make a paste from these two tablespoons plus some water and apply it directly to the aching areas on your feet. You should do this for several days in order to achieve the best results. However, keep in mind that this procedure may stain your feet.
4. Epsom Salt
It is made of magnesium sulfate and is great for reducing any inflammation or pain, providing your poor feet with instant relief. It is also effective in improving the function of your nerves. Here’s what you can do:
1. Add some Epsom salt (half a cup should do) to a foot tub.
2. Next, just pour some warm water in the tub and give it a decent mixing.
3. Soak the feet in there for about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Do this procedure every day for a few days.
Attention! Those who have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes may not be ideal candidates for Epsom salt soaks. Always stay on the safe side and consult with your physician before taking on this therapy.
5. Ginger
Other than its cousin, the mighty turmeric, ginger is also a great way to relieve any burning in the feet. Ginger possesses several active components which improve the circulation in your body.
This, in turn, helps bring some quick and well-deserved relief. Here’s the best method of consumption:
Mix some olive oil or coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of ginger juice. Now apply this mixture to your feet and massage them with it for 10-15 minutes once a day.
Another method you can try is drinking 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea per day. You can also use the warm tea for soaking your feet for lessening any pain or swelling.
Best to follow any of these natural remedies for several days until you achieve foot relief.
6. Bitter Gourd
This has been used as a traditional natural remedy in Ayurveda for burning feet problems.
1. Best to grind about a handful of bitter gourd leaves and add a little bit of water until you get a smooth-looking paste.
2. Simply apply the paste on any problem areas, and you should get quick relief from your foot problem.
3. There is no general rule to how many times you can repeat this; it varies from individual to individual. Apply as much as you see fit until you get full relief.
7. Thyme
Most (if not all) herbalists will tell you that this herb will aid in any burning sensations your feet may be suffering.
It has the power to ease any constructed blood vessels. And are you even surprised when we tell you that it promotes better blood circulation? Thyme can also boast with having antimicrobial abilities, which help with any burning sensations caused by athlete’s foot.
1. Soak one handful thyme in 2 separate bowls
2. Take 2 foot tubs. Fill one of them with cold and the second with hot water.
3. Add the soaked thyme in each tub, including the water in the bowl
4. First, soak your feet for 3 to 5 minutes in the foot tub containing the hot water, then switch to the cold water foot tub – also for just a few minutes.
5. Go back and forth in this manner for a total of 20 minutes.
6. Doing this procedure once a day is enough.
8. Vitamin B3
This vitamin is also known as niacin. It can strengthen the nerves and prevent them from breaking under pressure. It also improves your blood circulation (no surprise there). One naturally consumes this vitamin one way or another, but if you increase your intake, you can successfully relieve any foot burning.
This only makes sense, since a deficiency of this vitamin can be one of the main factors for this problem in the first place.
In order to increase your daily intake of the B3 vitamin, you should look to consume more foods like wheat germ, wheat bran, brewer’s yeast, whole-grain products, yogurt, milk, beans, peanuts, green vegetables, egg yolks and peas.
If you wish, you can also take this vitamin in supplement form. But be sure to consult with your doctor first.
9. Massaging them
Another method you can try is massaging your aching feet. You should use some oils, and this is sure to relieve any discomfort you have with your feet.
1. Warm up some coconut oil, mustard oil or olive oil.
2. Apply it on your affected area.
3. Firmly massage it in upward motions using your fingers for about 10 minutes.
4. Best to do this in the early morning and before going to bed to ensure good circulation.
10. Exercising
By now you must’ve learned that improving circulation in your body and preventing any serious nervous system issues is the key to stopping any feet burning sensations you are experiencing. To do that, nothing beats staying active.
- Whenever you have a burning sensation, try walking barefoot on soft sand or grass. This is sure to quickly relieve the symptoms.
- Exercises such as jogging or running should be done as often as possible. We don’t need to tell you how efficient they are in increasing your body’s circulation.
Some Additional Tips
- It is vital to wear comfortable and properly fitting shoes and socks
- While we’re on the subject of footwear, lose the habit of wearing shoes without socks (assuming you have this habit)
- Give your tired feet the rest they deserve as often as you can. Make sure to also elevate them when resting
- Stay away from alcohol and narcotics (even if you don’t have feet issues!)
- For the right kind of support, use insoles or pads when wearing your shoes. A little extra comfort goes a long way.
- To relieve those annoying burning sensations, you can also try acupuncture. Or even magnetic therapy! Both are worth the shot.
All of these methods will indeed help relieve the pain, itching, and discomfort, but we still strongly advise you to consult with a professional in order to locate the source of the problem and apply the proper treatment.
