Four Types of Lotion That Can Relieve Foot Pain

Your feet are under nearly constant strain throughout the day, providing you with mobility as well much of your balance and support. This strain is significantly escalated if you walk on an unforgiving surface like concrete pavement, potentially causing your feet and heels to become sore and painful. Fortunately, there are many lotions and creams available that can help relieve this foot pain.

Arnica montana, sometimes referred to as Leopard’s Bane or Wolf's Bane, is an herb that has been used as a medicine since the 16th century. When applied topically to the skin as a lotion or cream, it can help relieve pain and soreness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Be cautious when using Arnica; in high concentrations or when used for a long time, it can become irritating to the skin, and if ingested, can cause extreme side effects such as an irregular heartbeat. Follow your doctor's advice regarding appropriate use.

Using lotions and creams containing aloe vera is another popular remedy for inflamed or aching feet. Applying the lotion topically may help reduce soreness and inflammation. Although certain side effects have been reported in some who take oral aloe vera supplements, no significant side effects have been reported from the topical use of aloe vera, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Shea butter, which is often used as an ingredient in chocolate, can also be used topically in foot care and skin care lotions. Shea butter is produced from the nut or seed of the shea tree, which grows primarily in Africa. Shea contains triterpenes, which are anti-inflammatory compounds. Like aloe vera, shea butter may help reduce foot pain by reducing inflammation.

Finally, lotions containing eucalyptus oil can also be used to help relieve pain in sore feet. The oil is produced from the Eucalyptus tree, which grows widely in Australia, although it can be found in other regions as well. Eucalyptus oil, like aloe vera, can cause unpleasant side effects when taken orally, but is considered safe when applied to the skin.

University of Maryland Medical Center: "Arnica"

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Aloe Vera"

MayoClinic.com: "Aloe (Aloe Vera)"

Journal of Oleo Science: "Anti-Inflammatory and Chemopreventive Effects of Triterpene Cinnamates and Acetates from Shea Fat

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: "Shea Nut Butter"

Shea Butter Institute: "What Is Shea Butter?"

University of Maryland Medical Center: "Eucalyptus"