Feet are a very important part of the body. Not only do they support the entire weight of the body, but are also the center of most of the nerve-endings in the body, making it a sensitive place. Unless you practise effective home remedies for foot care, there is a chance that your feet may become unhealthy and lead to disabilities and problems in movement.
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Because they are responsible for almost all the mobility in our body, they also undergo the most amounts of effort and wear and tear, which is why it is important to devote enough attention to them at leisure when you are at home. Feet are also prone to developing infections because they are constantly encased in shoes which might be ill-fitting or claustrophobic, allowing bacteria to grow there and cause problems.
Suggested read: 11 Essential Home Remedies For Soft, Beautiful Feet
Taking care of your feet when you are at home is deceptively easy once you are able to master these home remedies for foot care. These will not only help you get beautiful feet, but will also render an overall better health to you.
1. Wash your feet everyday
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In order to facilitate proper foot care, make sure that you wash your feet every day. Because you are constantly walking on your feet, and keeping them engaged in some activity or the other throughout the day, developing sweat and bacteria in the groves in your feet is a very common occurrence. In order to protect your feet from consequent infections, bad odors, fungus infestation and other problems, wash your feet with a mild soap and warm water. Dry your feet properly afterwards to ensure none of the water and the soap are left behind on your feet.
2. Soak your feet on a regular basis
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Soaking your feet in water has multiple good benefits for the overall health of your feet and your body. The water helps soothe the tired muscles of your feet and help you relax after you have exerted them for the entire day. Soaking your feet is water also helps loosen the dead skin cells, which you can then remove, leaving your feet soft, supple and healthy. Build-up of dead skin cells can again, cause fatigue and infection, so soaking your feet in a warm water bath with some essential oils can really help with your foot care routine at home.
3. Scrubbing
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Scrubbing is the next step after you have washed and soaked your feet. This helps get rid of the loose dead skins and helps your feet breathe easier. It also gives energy to your feet, and helps get rid of problems like cracked feet and foot sores. There are a number of great DIY scrubs you can use for your feet which are completely natural and chemical free. However, the best, most effective scrub is made of a cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. After you have scrubbed your feet with this, make sure that you wash your feet thoroughly and moisturize afterwards, so that the moisture gets locked in.
4. Use talcum powder
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Talcum powder has anti-moisture properties which doesn’t let your feet dry out, but at the same time, prevents sweat and moisture from accumulating there as well. When you are wearing socks, or covered shoes, there is a chance that you may develop feet odor, which is nothing but the accumulation and growth of infectious bacteria. To prevent this from happening, talcum powder is a great preventing method, and one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for foot care.
Suggested read: 9 Superbly Effective Home Remedies For Calluses On Feet
5. Indulge in a DIY pedicure
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A pedicure can do wonders when you are trying to take care of your feet at home. Indulging in a DIY pedicure once a week is going to make you feel amazing about yourself, and is going to help rejuvenate the life in your feet, and the process is simpler than you would imagine. After cleaning and cutting your nails, apply some honey or cream around your nails and soak your feet in a bath of warm water and lemon slices. After they have become soft and pliable, pat dry your feet, clean the nails and use some lemon slices or a loofah for the finishing touch to get wonderful rested and soft feet.
6. Keep alternating your shoes
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Wearing the same shoes over and over again will not only wear your shoes out faster leading to greater discomfort for your feet, but will also lead to problems like cracked feet, foot odors and other infections. To prevent this from happening, keep at least two pairs of shoes that you wouldn’t mind wearing regularly and do not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Your shoes need time and space to breathe and air out so that any of the bacteria and odors can die and evaporate. To facilitate this process more effectively, stuff your shoes with newspapers for at least a day so that any harmful odors and substances are absorbed into your shoes.
7. Make your feet strong and resistant with exercises
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In order to keep your feet optimal and healthy, engage in foot exercises regularly. Walking is not usually considered an exercise because it can add stress to your feet when you are tired, and make your muscles tense up. Exercising can help tone the muscles and render strength to your feet by giving them energy and vitality. The best foot exercise is stretching. You can use your toes to grab a towel and pull it closer towards you repeatedly for 1 minute, and then use your toes to push it away. You can also use your hands to push your foot away from your body and then towards it to give it sufficient exercise.
8. Massage your feet with coconut oil
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Coconut oil is a nourishing compound that can work wonders when it comes to taking care of your feet. It has nutrients that are absorbed through the soles of your feet when you massage your feet with coconut oil. This moisturizes and energizes your feet like no other chemical or cosmetic cream ever can. Massage a healthy amount of coconut oil on your feet before going to bed and put on socks. You are going to wake up with the softest, most moisturized feet ever. You can also mix a tablespoon of coconut oil in water when you are soaking your feet, for adequate effect.
9. Trim your toe nails regularly
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Make sure that you cut or trim your toenails at least once every two weeks. Use a trimmer, a pair of trimming scissors and a sharp nail cutter to cut your toe nails in a clean line, and not at an angle, as that can lead to ingrown nails, which hurt and cause discomfort when you are walking. However, you also have to make sure that you don’t cut your nails too short, because that can dig into your feet when you walk and make walking quite a task. Otherwise, keeping your nails short and manageable is essential because otherwise, they can house fungus, infection and other kinds of bacteria, which make your feet unhealthy.
Suggested read: Smelly Feet? Treat Them With These Home Remedies
10. Use essential oils to rejuvenate your feet
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Essential oils are rich in nutrients and act as relaxers for your feet, whenever they are feeling fatigued or tired. They also help remove odors from your feet long term and can render much needed energy to your feet when your feet have had a particularly bad day. Any essential oil with a menthol or minty base is one of the best home remedies for foot care, because it not only leaves your feet feeling cool, refreshed and energized, but it is also a natural cure for foot fungus, and any other type of infection. It also strengthens your feet. You can use peppermint oil, which acts as the most effective mentholated rub for your feet. Take 3-5 drops of raw peppermint oil and rub it on your feet before going to bed. Put on socks and let your feet absorb the oil for the night, so that you can wake up with soft, great smelling, relaxed feet the next day.
Taking care of your feet should be an essential part of your self-care routine. If you cannot practise foot care remedies at home every day, then you should devote at least one day a week to taking care of your feet and giving them rest, nourishment and moisture. This can not only make you feel energized while going about your activities for the rest of the week, but also improve your overall health.
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