How to Soak Tired Feet: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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parts

1Setting Up Your Relaxation Spot

2Customizing Your Foot Bath

3Relaxing and Pampering Your Feet

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

References

Article Summary

Medically reviewed byCatherine Cheung, DPM

Last Updated: June 25, 2020References

After a long day, a warm foot soak is an excellent way to soothe tired feet. Preparing a foot bath at home is simple, and you can customize your foot bath by adding ingredients of your choice, including essential oils for an aromatherapy experience. Finish pampering your feet by exfoliating and moisturizing them with lotion.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up Your Relaxation Spot

1
Get a good foot tub. Find a sturdy bowl or basin that is large enough to comfortably soak your feet in. If you're serious about pampering your feet, you can also invest in an electric foot bath with features like bubbles, heat, and vibration. Place the tub in front of a comfortable chair, with a towel underneath to catch any spills.
2
Set a relaxing atmosphere. Lighting and sound can have profound effects on mood. To create a calm, spa-like atmosphere, dim the lights- bright, harsh lighting will ruin the relaxing vibe you're going for.^[1] Choose soothing background music, like classical music or white noise. Music has been proven to enhance relaxation and restore harmony between mind and body.^[2]
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3
See Also
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Fill the foot bath. Avoid filling up your foot bath at your bathtub or sink, as you will then have to transport it to your relaxation area. Instead, add water to the foot tub with a pitcher or kettle to make things easier and to prevent spills. You can adjust the temperature to your liking by slowly adding boiling water and then cold water, alternating between the two until the bath is just right.
- If you are using an electric foot bath, make sure to leave the machine unplugged until after you have filled it with water to avoid the risk of an electrical shock.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Customizing Your Foot Bath

1
Choose soothing ingredients. There are a host of ingredients that can be added to a foot soak to help and soothe tired feet. Scour your kitchen cupboards or visit a health food store to find the perfect additions to your foot bath. Some of the best, foot-friendly ingredients are:
- peppermint, which can invigorate skin and muscles and reduce inflammation^[3]
- vinegar, which can help treat foot fungus, odor, and athlete's foot^[4]
- epsom salts, which can relieve muscle pain, tension and joint inflammation^[5]
- lemon, which can be energizing^[6]
2
Add some aromatherapy oils. Aromatherapy is believed to treat ailments and relieve stress through the use of fragrant, essential oils.^[7] In addition to their healing potential, essential oils can make your foot soak especially indulgent. For a relaxing effect, try vanilla or lavender essential oils, which have been shown to be calming.^[8]
- Consult with a doctor first if you have one of the following conditions: a lung condition, such as asthma, respiratory allergies, chronic lung disease; skin allergies; or pregnancy (some oils may cause uterine contractions).^[9]
3
Shop for pre-made foot soaks. An easy alternative to DIY foot soaks is to purchase one at a bath and body boutique, pharmacy or department store. Look for products that include soothing ingredients like epsom salts or peppermint, and have fun shopping around for scents that you enjoy. Bath "bombs" or "fizzies" are popular foot soak options that you can watch dissolve as you enjoy their soothing properties.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Relaxing and Pampering Your Feet

1
Check the water temperature and immerse your feet. Test out the water before you soak your feet- the temperature should be between 92° to 100°F (37.8°C). Anything above 104° F is considered unsafe, especially for people with certain conditions, such as poor circulation and pregnancy.^[10] Immerse your feet and soak them for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your comfort level. Relax and enjoy the experience!
- While you are soaking your feet, you could entertain yourself by reading a book or magazine or by simply closing your eyes and listening to the background music.
2
Exfoliate your feet. Exfoliating your feet removes dead skin and leaves feet feeling smooth and refreshed. Use a pumice stone or foot file to slough away rough skin. You can also use an exfoliating scrub, or make one of your own by combining some of the following natural, ingredients:
- Sugar and baby oil^[11]
- Epsom salt and lavender oil^[12]
- Salt and mineral oil^[13]
3
Dry your feet and add the final touches. After exfoliating, rinse your feet thoroughly. Dry them gently with a towel. Trim your toenails if necessary and apply a rich, moisturizing lotion to feet; lotions that contain synthetic urea are especially good for dry feet.^[14] As a final, pampering touch, put on a comfortable pair of socks or slippers.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
Is it dangerous to use baking soda on your feet?
Catherine Cheung, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist
Dr. Catherine Cheung is a double board-certified Podiatrist based in San Francisco, California. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, including complex reconstruction, injury treatment, custom orthotics, bunion surgery, and all general foot and ankle issues. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with the Brown & Toland Physicians and the Sutter Medical Network. She received her BS from UCLA. She earned a DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, completed her residency at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, and completed a fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive/Ankle Surgery.
Catherine Cheung, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist
Expert Answer
It's not dangerous, but you may want to consider mixing some antifungal powder into the baking soda. Baking soda is good at absorbing moisture, but it won't remove any bacteria or fungal spores on its own.
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Warnings

Be careful not to burn yourself with hot water.
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If you have any open cuts or sores on your feet, it is best to wait until they have healed to try a foot soak.
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If you are diabetic, talk to your healthcare provider before trying foot baths.^[15]
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About this article

Medically reviewed by:

Catherine Cheung, DPM

Board Certified Podiatrist

This article was medically reviewed by Catherine Cheung, DPM. Dr. Catherine Cheung is a double board-certified Podiatrist based in San Francisco, California. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, including complex reconstruction, injury treatment, custom orthotics, bunion surgery, and all general foot and ankle issues. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with the Brown & Toland Physicians and the Sutter Medical Network. She received her BS from UCLA. She earned a DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, completed her residency at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, and completed a fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive/Ankle Surgery. This article has been viewed 30,245 times.

15 votes - 88%

Co-authors: 12

Updated: June 25, 2020

Article SummaryX

To soak tired feet, fill a tub or bowl with hot water from a kettle or pitcher, but make sure the water isn't too hot so you don't scald your skin. You can also add extra ingredients, like peppermint, epsom salts, and lemon, to help soothe your feet and reduce inflammation. You should soak your feet for between 10 and 30 minutes for the best experience. While you’re soaking your feet, try dimming the lights and listening to calm music for a relaxing atmosphere. You can also exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone or foot file to remove any dead skin and leave your feet feeling fresh. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to find a good tub for your foot bath, read on!

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