Proper Foot Bath Method to Relieve Fatigue... "Water Temperature 36~40°C is Suitable, Should Not Exceed 30 Minutes"

Effective for ankle arthritis, ligament injuries, and tendon inflammation
Combining stretching and muscle exercises during foot baths helps
Avoid foot baths if bleeding, discharge, or heat occurs

Foot bath. [Photo by Ilsan Baek Hospital]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] As outdoor activities increase in spring, interest in 'foot baths' that can relieve fatigue is also rising. Foot baths help with blood circulation and are effective for relaxing joints and muscles.

In addition, foot baths reduce pain from foot arthritis, tendinitis (tendon inflammation), and tenosynovitis. They can also be effective when joint or muscle movement is limited due to fractures, sprains (ligament injuries), or plaster immobilization after surgery (joint contracture).

Typically, foot baths are done using a foot bath device or by soaking feet in warm water in a bucket. When taking a foot bath, the feet, including the affected area, should be fully submerged in the water. The duration is about 10 to 15 minutes, usually once or twice a day, but can be increased to 3 to 4 times a day if necessary. The time should not exceed 30 minutes even if extended.

The water temperature is recommended to start at around 36 to 38 degrees Celsius and gradually increase to 40 degrees. It can be raised up to 43 degrees if needed, but caution is required as side effects such as heat erythema may occur. Patients with bleeding or areas with heat should avoid foot baths. Also, it should be avoided if there are severe skin cracks with oozing or pus.

After a foot bath, it is important to dry well and protect the softened skin from injury. People who sweat a lot can apply powder, and if there is keratosis, foot ointments or creams are recommended. After surgery, massage creams can be used to prevent adhesions and help with stretching.

Choi Junyoung, an orthopedic specialist at Ilsan Paik Hospital specializing in foot treatment, explained, “During foot baths, stretching exercises for toes and ankles to restore joint range of motion or specific stretching and muscle strengthening exercises depending on the injury can be effective. For patients with joint contracture, passive exercises using hands or rubber bands can also be combined.”