Nurturing the nerve endings on the feet help us heal faster! Foot care is often neglected, however one of the easiest ways to identify and deal with health issues.

reflexology – nerve endings

When we wake up in the morning, nerve endings on our feet show the first signs of unresolved issues in our body. Observe the places where pain emanates on the soles of our feet and connect the parts of the body (using the chart below).

Press the point on the sole of your feet where you feel the pain when you wake up, for 5-6 seconds and release. Repeat it for 2-3 minutes, twice a day. The respective internal organs get relief.

Body aches and foot bath

When we have a severe body ache, soaking our feet in warm or hot water (as much as it tolerable) for 5-10 minutes helps. Add some Epsom salt or tea tree oil for relaxing effects.

Typically soaking our feet in hot water and pat drying before going to bed helps us have a restful sleep as well.

cracking heels

For those suffering from cracked heels, try the following remedies

1. Castor Oil – Apply 8-10 drops of castor oil on your feet and wear a socks before you go to bed. Continue this for 7-10 days for the heels to get back its smoothness.
2. Vaseline – Any thick moisturizer (like Nivea) or Vaseline works for this. Apply it liberally on the soles of your feet and cracked areas. Massage it thoroughly for about an hour, applying more moisturizer or Vaseline as the heels dry up. Do it while watching a movie – two days in a row, and visibly you can see a difference in your heels.

Plantar fasciitis

Tight shoes, standing for too long, walking posture, uneven pressure on feet, or internal health issues can cause plantar fasciitis. While it maybe painful (excruciatingly painful for some), it is good to visit a Dermatologist to get it evaluated.

Supportive shoes, foot stretch exercises, calf stretches, heel raises also seem to help! Talk to your dermatologist or physical therapist for appropriate recommendations if your condition warrants a trip to the specialist!

Corn and Callus removal

Neglecting foot care long term ends up in corns or calluses on the soles of feet. Soaking feet in warm, soapy water softens these corns and calluses. This can make it easier to remove the thickened skin. During or after bathing, rub a corn or callus with a pumice stone, nail file, emery board or washcloth to help remove a layer of toughened skin. Depending on the size of the corn / callus, the soaking feet in water treatment needs to be continued for a few months till the corn/callus can be removed. Post removal, ensure you take continue soaking feet in water treatment at periodic intervals.

Good habits

• Soak your feet in warm/hot water to get rid of body aches and excess stress before going to bed
• Massage your feet when you wake up in the morning for better health
• Wear home slippers instead of walking bare feet
• Check your posture and ensure your posture is not causing imbalance in weight distribution
• Wear slippers / shoes that support your arches to prevent long term issues
• Do not delay in having your foot issues checked by your dermatologist or podiatrist

As with any other health issues, a stitch in time saves nine for foot care as well!