Pain and Swelling of Foot

The most overworked and overlooked parts of our body are probably the feet. They bear the weight of the entire body and are subjected to prolonged hours of standing since most of us are constantly on our toes these days, in more ways than one. Pain and swelling of the feet are therefore as common a problem as the constant running around and stressful life. Swollen and painful feet can really incapacitate you, and most people with such problems are desperate for a cure. However, getting rid of pain and swelling in the feet first requires an understanding of varied causes of the problem. So why do our feet swell up and hurt? There are many reasons for this, arthritis being the most common cause. Some other possible reasons are obvious and simple ones, such as allergic reactions, low thyroid function, injury, anemia, sodium retention, and deficiencies of proteins, potassium and Vitamin B; other reasons may be as serious as abnormal kidney function or other kidney diseases, cancer and congestive heart failure.

If you have pain and swelling in your feet and you have ruled out reasons like injury, allergy or standing for too long, it is best to get a medical check-up to rule out the various serious medical conditions as well. Then, to deal with the problem yourself, you must take the following measures (many of which are a cure for almost all health problems from head to toe): eat a balanced diet with lots of green leafy vegetables and fruits, drink at least two liters of water a day, get enough sleep and rest, and be stress free. For foot care, wear shoes of the right size that fit you snugly and comfortably. Avoid wearing high heels and putting too much pressure on your feet. Give your feet a massage with hot and cold compresses; this is a great healer and will have no repercussions. Doing some stretching and foot exercises will also bring relief. You an also apply a mix of essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon along with water. This has soothing effect on the feet. Another mix that works is olive oil, lemon juice, cinnamon, milk and water. Similarly, tea tree oil also has healing properties and a good foot soak in a bit of this oil mixed with water can get rid of both pain and swelling. Lavender and sandalwood oil bubble baths and foot massages also work like magic. Just in case you don’t have any of these things readily available, the most basic therapy is a hot and cold water massage, which brings instant relief without any repercussions.