Is it better to soak your feet in hot or cold water?

Author: Prof. Francisco Nikolaus  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

When you feel tired and have pain on your feet and legs due to walking and standing for hours all day long, you should soak your feet and legs in “cold water” because it can helps constrict your blood vessels and reduce the inflammatory chemical mediators so that the swelling and inflammation in the muscles are reduced ...

What is the healthiest thing to soak your feet in?

Epsom salts are the classic staple of a foot soak, aid to help with everything from arthritis to plain old swollen feet. The salts break down into magnesium and sulfate in water, and some believe that these minerals can be soaked in through the skin for the body's benefit.

Why do Chinese people soak their feet in hot water?

Participating in a foot bath is a very popular practice in China and in Daoist temples. As far as I can remember, my mom soaks her feet in hot water every night before bedtime. In Chinese culture and medicine, we believe that a 15-30 minute foot bath can wash away the day's fatigue and bring a good night of sleep.

What happens when you put your feet in cold water?

Soothing Relief for Sore Muscles: If you've been on your feet all day or engaged in intense physical activity, a cold-water foot soak can offer soothing relief to your tired and achy muscles. The cold water helps to numb nerve endings and reduce muscle soreness, providing instant comfort and relaxation.

What happens when you soak your feet in hot water everyday?

“Frequent foot soaks can increase moisture, which can lead to a fungal infection like athlete's foot,” Grantham warns. This may be especially risky if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can affect your ability to heal from fungal infections — including those caused by foot soaks.

Heat or Ice for Foot Pain?

When should you not soak your feet?

People with poor circulation or decreased sensation in the feet, such as diabetic neuropathy, are better off not soaking at all, however.

Why is hot water so healing?

Heated water raises body temperature, increases blood circulation and water's buoyancy relieves stress on joints and muscles to encourage better movement. When jets are used, the warm water massage relaxes muscles, ligaments and tendons and stimulates the release of endorphins–the body's natural pain reliever.

Is it better to soak feet in hot or cold?

When you feel tired and have pain on your feet and legs due to walking and standing for hours all day long, you should soak your feet and legs in “cold water” because it can helps constrict your blood vessels and reduce the inflammatory chemical mediators so that the swelling and inflammation in the muscles are reduced ...

What is the best homemade foot soak?

In warm water (preferably 38°), pour the juice of half a lemon, add 125 ml of milk and two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix it all up and lower your feet in the mixture. This bath will relieve tired feet thanks to the action of the three kitchen staples combined.

What does soaking your feet in hydrogen peroxide do?

Hydrogen peroxide is easily accessible and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for treating foot fungus. Here are some of its key benefits: Effective Antifungal Properties: Hydrogen peroxide can break down the fungal cells that cause infections. Safe and Easy to Use: When used properly, hydrogen peroxide is safe.

What do Epsom salts do for feet?

The crystallized compound structure of Epsom salt provides exfoliation of the dead skin on the feet. The foot soak may help decrease roughness and leave the feet softer. After soaking the feet is a great time to use an exfoliating tool to remove dead skin.

What is the best foot soak for hard skin?

Dissolve a few tablespoons of Epsom Salt in warm water for a relaxing and therapeutic soak. Baking Soda Soak: Baking soda can help soften the skin and neutralise odours. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to warm water for a soothing foot soak.

Is it good to soak feet in apple cider vinegar?

Not many people know that soaking feet in apple cider vinegar has many benefits. It can help control infections, neutralize bad odors, soften the skin, hydrate feet, and calm itching.

What kills toenail fungus the fastest?

Terbinafine and itraconazole are the 2 medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up.

Who should not soak feet in Epsom salt?

Foot soaks of any type are not safe for people who have diabetes due to the increased risk of infection. Regularly soaking the feet may increase dryness, which can lead to cracking and raise the risk of infection. Individuals that have open wounds or sores should also talk with their doctor before using a foot soak.

What does soaking your feet in baking soda do?

Relieves callus pain

Baking soda also has effective anti-inflammatory properties to relieve painful symptoms caused by calluses, horniness and calluses. Mixed with 5 drops of lavandin and tea tree essential oils (antiseptics), it soothes inflammation and gently removes dead skin.

What do podiatrists recommend for foot soak?

Epsom bath – Mix one cup of Epsom salts into a large basin of warm (but not hot) water. You can also mix in a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, aloe vera, or chamomile. Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes.

What happens when you dip your feet in hot water?

The heat relaxes muscles and loosens stiff joints, making it particularly helpful for people with arthritis or plantar fasciitis. Soaking your feet causes a relaxing response in the body. It relaxes the neurological system, reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), and creates a state of calm.

What can I soak my foot in to draw out an infection?

Soak your toe in a warm foot bath with unscented Epsom salt.

Always dry your foot completely after soaking. Soaking your ingrown or infected toe will help relieve the pain and pressure of an infection. It can also help to draw out pus from your toe. Keep your feet dry, unless you're soaking them for treatment.

Is it good to put your feet in hot water everyday?

Do not soak your feet for more than 20 minutes and do not soak your feet every day. A maximum of two foot soaks every week is enough to take care of your feet. After the soak, dry your feet - and don't forget about the skin between your toes, to avoid maceration.

Is heat or ice better for feet?

People who have recently suffered a foot injury that has resulted in swelling may want to ice it, but if you're suffering from a chronic foot issue that causes pain and stiffness but isn't causing inflammation, heat may be better.

How long should you soak feet in cold water?

To reduce swelling and inflammation, soak your feet in a cold bathtub twice a day for 20 minutes. (Hot water adds to the swelling and makes discomfort worse.) You can also reduce swelling by raising your feet 6 inches above your heart at night while you sleep. Don't ignore swelling or pain.

What happens when you drink warm water on an empty stomach in the morning?

Hot water is known to improve metabolism which helps in burning calories. People trying to lose weight can benefit from drinking hot water in the morning and before meals. When consumed in the morning it aids digestion and metabolism and when consumed before meals, it gives a feeling of fullness and reduces overeating.

Does soaking feet in hot water help blood circulation?

Improved circulation – Soaking your feet in warm water helps blood vessels vasodilate (become bigger) which gets more blood to the legs and feet. This can reduce pain and swelling. Softening – Foot baths can help soften the skin and nails. It can also help remove unwanted skin that builds up or causes pain.

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