feet - inflammation - healing

May 3, 2002

> Date: Fri, 3 May 2002 13:56:12 EDT

From: Rachd1961@...

Subject: natural anti-inflammatory

> Sorry for cross-posting to three groups at once, but I am in need of

information and am at work and don't have time to do a search on the

internet. My sister is having a problem with her foot and the doctor wants

to put her on some prescription anti-inflammatory. This woman doesn't even

take aspirin for a headache (we're two peas in a pod!) and I would really

like to be able to recommend something natural - as in dietary - that she can

take to help with the inflammation.

I've run 36 marathons so I know a few things about feet.

First of all, have her soak her foot in " cold " water and ice. Keep adding

ice cubes to the cold water as she can tolerate it. When her foot is stronger

she can stand with her foot in the cold water. When she can keep her foot

in for 10 minutes in the cold water and ice, then her foot will be stronger.

The longer and the colder comfortably, the stronger her foot. I like using

a regular sized plastic waste basket for this. They are just the right size.

Doctors usually say to soak in hot water -- wouldn't you know it -- after

the first 24 hours. If the foot is fine then you don't need to soak it at all,

but if you soak an injured foot in hot water, it increases the inflammation,

and the pain. Heat increases inflammation. Cold reduces inflammation.

It also drives the blood deep for healing, whereas heat brings the blood

to the skin and delays healing. Anyone who thinks about it can see this.

So the rule is to soak it in the cold until it is healed, completely. If it's

healed

in 24 hours, fine. If it's not, then keep soaking it in the cold water and

ice.

Fresh ginger root is said to be one of the best for reducing inflammation.

According to the book " Ginger " , it is better than aspirin, ibuprofin, and other

prescription medications, but without the harmful effects. You can chew it,

blend it with water and drink it (which I have done often), rub the blend on

your feet and legs, and/or soak your foot in it.

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