Foot care after the carnival affair

Contrary to what many persons think, soaking your feet in warm water after a carnival road march or 5K should not be the first line of treatment.

According to podiatrist at Manuchant Medical Dr Angela Davis, hot or warm water only exacerbates the problem. "When feet are tired and swollen, most persons put them in warm water and Epsom salt, but the opposite cool water is best," said Davis.

The podiatrist also warned against using painkillers like Voltaren due to the level of toxicity, which can affect the liver and kidneys. If there appears to be a serious problem following carnival activities, seek professional advice.

Here are five traditional and organic treatments to help feet muscles relax and relieve pain:

1. Mix half a cup or Epsom salt in cool water, and allow the feet to soak for 10-20 minutes at a time. The magnesium sulphate in Epsom salt is known to help with circulation and reduce swelling and pain because it is easily absorbed into the skin.

2. Drink turmeric tea. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps decrease swelling.

3. Gentle foot massages (preferably by a qualified practitioner) also help. The oils you choose also contribute to the healing process. Instead of using jasmine, lavender or olive oils, think closer to home. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties; it not only helps to soothe the muscles, but after a long day of your feet sweating, it reduces the chances of developing foot fungus and skin irritations such as blisters.

4. Elevate your feet using a pillow or cushion for as long as needed. The more a person weighs. The more pressure will be on the feet which means that more time maybe required to keep feet elevated.

5. Try eating dark, leafy, green vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, bananas and organic dark chocolate, which are all high in magnesium. A deficiency in the mineral can cause feet to swell, so start building up that magnesium from now.