Heat

The use of heat therapy, sometimes called thermotherapy or hyperthermia, is one of the oldest home remedies. Warm and hot application can be comforting and emotionally relaxing. Various forms of heating are used from moist hot packs and hot baths to heating pads and hot gels. Moist heat is best as it penetrates better, whereas dry heat can dehydrate the skin.

Heat is generally reserved for more chronic conditions and usually contraindicated in acute problems. Heat dilates the blood vessels within the foot. This allows improved circulation helping to bring in needed nutrients including oxygen and removing unwanted waste products. Heat can also help reduce muscle tightness by relaxing or lengthening muscles. Unfortunately, unlike cold, too much heat can worsen weak muscles since they are already lengthened too much. This is most often the case when heat is applied directly over the muscle.

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One benefit of heat applications may be pain reduction. This is especially true with heating gels or creams. This effect is not really therapeutic; rather, the heat stimulation on the skin fools the nervous system, and the brain does not feel as much pain. While this reduces pain, it can eliminate your awareness of a problem with the potential for overuse. Also, be aware that gels and creams often contain toxic chemicals that may enter the body through the skin.