Is Epsom Salt Good for Plantar Fasciitis? Epsom salt is good for plantar fasciitis. Magnesium sulfate, an active ingredient in Epsom salt, is approved by the FDA for laxative use.
In this post, we will tell you if you should soak your feet in Epsom salt whenever you suffer from heel pain.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt refers to a water-soluble mineral compound that has been a popular home remedy for relieving different pain and aches for years. It contains an active ingredient called magnesium sulfate that breaks down once added to water.
People usually add Epsom salt to their bath to ease muscle soreness. It is also used as a foot soak for the same purpose.
Several studies show that soaking in Epsom salt allows the active ingredient to penetrate the skin. Another study found that the active ingredient can penetrate the skin’s outer layer, depending on how long you soak in it and the salt concentration.
Does Epsom salt work for plantar fasciitis? (Is Epsom Salt Good for Plantar Fasciitis)
The evidence for the effectiveness of Epsom salt at treating plantar fasciitis and other heel pain issues remains meager.
A 2017 study highlights magnesium’s effectiveness in reducing pain. However, several studies contradict that finding, stating that the active ingredient shows no difference in reducing pain.
Should you use Epsom salt for your plantar fasciitis?
People who use Epsom salt on their foot soak or bath claim that it can:
- Alleviate stress
- Detoxify the body
- Heal fungal infections, minor wounds, and other feet’s skin conditions
- Reduce odor
- Repair heel cracks and softens the skin
- Improve circulation
- Relieve minor pains and aches
While there are no enough scientific studies to support that soaking their feet in Epsom salt can reduce discomfort and pain due to plantar fasciitis, there are some pieces of evidence that small amounts of minerals are absorbed through the skin.
Fungus and bacteria cannot easily thrive in salty environments. However, the benefits tend to come from the soak, not the Epsom salt.
If you have previously tried soaking your feet in warm water, you know how soothing and relaxing. It also helps promote healing and improve circulation.
Should you try using Epsom salt for plantar fasciitis? There is no wrong if you will soak your feet in Epsom salt to relieve heel pain as long as it benefits your condition.
Here are the simple steps to make your own Epsom salt soak:
- In a small tub, put enough warm water to cover ankles and feet.
- Add one cup of Epsom salt.
- Add a few drops of essential oils of your choice.
- Soak the feet for up to 60 minutes.
Do you want to know How Much Epsom Salt used for Foot Bath, then read out the guide on this link.
What are the benefits of Epsom salt for heel pain?
Even if there is no enough basis for the effectiveness of Epsom salt’s active ingredient for plantar fasciitis, you still have the freedom to soak your feet in Epsom salt.
Taking a hot soak will give your feet time to rejuvenate and rest. Aside from that, here are other benefits you can reap from Epsom salt soaks:
1. Less Athlete’s Foot Symptoms
Epsom salt cannot kill the fungus causing athlete’s foot. On the other hand, it helps reduce moisture, making the environment less appealing for fungus to grow.
2. Eases Inflammation
There is still no strong evidence that Epsom salt can remove toxins from the body. However, the magnesium’s absorption through the boy helps boost the mineral levels in the body. It also decreases inflammation.
With reduced inflammation, the pain you feel due to plantar fasciitis may also reduce.
3. Promotes Skin Exfoliation
The Epsom salt’s crystalized compound structure help exfoliates dead skin on the feet. It also helps reduce roughness, leaving your feet softer.
4. Reduces Odor
All types of foot soak help clean the feet and reduce odor. Keeping your feet free from bacteria and clean can improve your foot’s overall health.
Is it beneficial to add essential oils to Epsom salt soaks?
Essential oils and Epsom salt soaks are a popular combination. Just like Epsom salt, there is also no enough scientific evidence that essential oils are effective in treating plantar fasciitis; you can still enjoy plenty of potential benefits from combining these two ingredients.
That is especially the case if you find the foot soak pleasant and soothing to the feet. A soak with Epsom salt followed by a relaxing massage with essential oils can calm your body and mind. It also helps improve blood flow to your heels and feet.
The essential oils’ pleasant scent and feel provide extra benefit to your feet, particularly during the healing process.
What are the other home remedies for plantar fasciitis to try?
While the combination of Epsom salt bath and essential oils helps improve the symptoms, the plantar fasciitis’ true healing starts with treatments that address the inflammation and damage to the ligament called the plantar fascia and its surrounding muscles.
Aside from soaking your feet with Epsom salt, you can try other home remedies for plantar fasciitis. Low-impact exercises and stretches can significantly impact the amount of pain you feel every day, especially in the morning. For more details about stretches, feel free to read our post about plantar fasciitis stretches.
You can also try specialized orthotics inserts for your heel pain. These inserts are added to your shoes and are known for stimulating the natural healing abilities of your body by raising your arches to their optimal level and targeting the pressure points.
Just like Epsom salt and essential oils, orthotic inserts and stretches are also low-risk and inexpensive. You can try any of these home remedies to determine which one works best for your lifestyle and pain.
If you have a Plantar Fasciitis Problem and want to know How to Wrap Foot for Plantar Fasciitis with Ace Bandage, then read out the guide on this link.
Conclusion
A few studies may support Epsom salt’s effectiveness for plantar fasciitis, but it is undeniable that it is soothing and relaxing. An Epsom salt bath or soak gives your time to rejuvenate and rest, which helps reduce discomfort and pain. Plus, you can combine it with other home remedies like orthotics.
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