Do not use a foot spa if your skin has any open wounds such as bug bites, bruises, scratches, cuts, scabs, poison ivy, etc. Open wounds appear on the skin of feet and legs. Initially they may look like insect bites, but they increase in size and severity over time, and sometimes result in pus and scarring.
Use of a foot spa is not recommended for patients with Diabetes. Test the temperature of the bath water before you put your foot in the bath; it should not exceed 37oC (body temperature).
People with poor circulation or decreased sensation in the feet, such as diabetic neuropathy, are better off not soaking at all, however. Not sensing the temperature from water that is too hot or too cold from an icy foot bath can lead to either scalding or cold injuries to the skin.
Patients with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout in the foot should avoid reflexology. Patients with osteoarthritis that impacts the foot or ankle, or those with vascular disease of the legs or feet, should consult with their primary provider prior to beginning reflexology on the feet.
Foot spas have been linked to bacterial outbreaks, particularly non-tuberculous mycobacteria, which can cause skin infections and inflammation of the lymph nodes.
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.
Healthier feet
A good foot massage can relieve tension and stiffness and promote better circulation and flexibility in the feet, preventing foot-related ailments such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and bunions.
Those with circulation conditions, for example, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), could exacerbate issues. Patients with loss of feeling, also known as neuropathy, should be careful when using a foot massager, as they may not be able to detect excessive pressure or pain.
Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.
Reflexology can remove some toxic substances from the body very quickly. If they are not released fast enough, or if the treatment is overdone, one can experience some mild toxic effect that usually disappears quickly.
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
Additionally, elderly patients are at an increased risk of falling when getting in or out of the tub. For diabetic patients, soaking can cause problems by drying out the skin and nails, making them more susceptible to fungal infections.
Foot reflexology was effective in reducing HR in stage‐2 HT patients and was partially effective in reducing BP. It is noninvasive and can be performed in a short period of time as a complimentary therapy.
“We found no evidence to suggest that ionic footbaths help promote the elimination of toxic elements from the body,” researchers wrote.
Identify your foot therapy goals, and choose a foot spa for overall care and relaxation or a foot massage for targeted relief. Alternating between the two ensures a personalized approach for ultimate foot comfort and relaxation.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
If you have high blood pressure or other abnormalities of blood vessels e.g. varicose veins you should avoid Thai massage because you have the risk of blood clotting and might not be aware of it.
Some podiatrists recommend foot massagers. However, if you have certain foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or nerve damage, consult with your doctor before using one.
Fill a basin or foot spa with enough warm water to cover the feet up to the ankles. Add half or three-quarters of a cup of Epsom salt to the water. Place the feet in the soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. Dry thoroughly after the soak and then moisturize the feet.
Possible benefits of an Epsom salt foot soak include reduced inflammation, decreasing symptoms of athlete's foot, soreness, exfoliating the skin, and reducing odors. However, more research is necessary. For most people, the risks of using an Epsom salt foot soak are minimal.
“A foot spa is a luxurious and effective way to care for your feet, offering both relaxation and therapeutic benefits," says podiatrist and CEO, Margaret Dabbs. "It helps to relieve tension, improve circulation and soften the skin, making it particularly beneficial for tired, aching feet.
It can help control infections, neutralize bad odors, soften the skin, hydrate feet, and calm itching. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acids and antifungal ingredients that can help regulate the pH balance of our skin. Simply add a cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.