Should You Soak Your Feet Before Foot Care?
Understanding Foot Soaking: The Facts vs. The Myths
If you've ever wondered whether you should soak your feet before a professional foot care appointment, you're not alone. Many Canadians have been told conflicting information about foot soaking. Let's explore what the latest Canadian research and medical guidelines actually say about this common practice.
What Is Foot Soaking?
Foot soaking means placing your feet in warm water, sometimes with added salts or soaps, for a period of time before foot care treatment. Many people believe this softens the skin and makes nail trimming easier. But is this practice safe for everyone?
The Case Against Foot Soaking: What Canadian Guidelines Say
Risk of Skin Damage (Maceration)
According to Wounds Canada's 2025 Best Practice Recommendations, excessive moisture can lead to a condition called maceration. This happens when your skin absorbs too much water and becomes soft, wrinkled, and weakened.
What is maceration?
Skin becomes overly soft and fragile
The protective barrier of your skin breaks down
Increases risk of cuts, tears, and infection
Can delay wound healing if injuries occur
Special Concerns for People with Diabetes
Diabetes Canada's Clinical Practice Guidelines (2018) emphasize that people with diabetes face unique foot care challenges. The guidelines specifically advise against soaking feet for several important reasons:
Loss of protective sensation: Many people with diabetes have neuropathy (nerve damage) and cannot feel if water is too hot, leading to burn risk
Increased infection risk: Damaged skin from soaking creates entry points for bacteria
Delayed healing: Macerated skin heals more slowly, which is especially problematic for people with diabetes
Moisture-related complications: Excess moisture can contribute to fungal infections and skin breakdown
According to Diabetes Canada (2018), people with diabetes should wash and dry their feet every day but should avoid soaking.
When Foot Soaking Might Be Considered
While Canadian guidelines generally discourage prolonged foot soaking before professional foot care, some international research suggests limited benefits in specific circumstances:
Warm Water for Circulation
Research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2022) titled "Effects of half-body and foot baths on peripheral circulation in healthy adult males: a pilot study" by Takahashi et al. found that warm water foot baths may promote vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can enhance blood flow. However, this should only be done:
Under medical supervision
For very short periods
At carefully controlled temperatures
Not immediately before foot care procedures
Important: This is different from soaking feet to "soften" them before nail care. The study also noted that low-leg bathing (water to mid-calf) was safer than deeper immersion due to reduced cardiovascular stress.
The Professional Foot Care Approach: What Works Better
Evidence-Based Alternatives to Soaking
Canadian foot care professionals use safer, more effective methods than soaking:
Professional debridement: Trained practitioners can safely remove calluses and trim nails without pre-soaking
Proper tools: Medical-grade instruments designed for safe foot care
Moisturizing after care: Applying appropriate moisturizers after treatment (not before)
Regular maintenance: Frequent professional visits prevent buildup that might seem to require soaking
Daily Foot Care Without Soaking
Diabetes Canada (2018) recommends this daily routine:
Wash feet with mild soap and lukewarm water
Dry feet thoroughly, especially between toes
Apply moisturizer to dry areas (but not between toes)
Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, or changes
Avoid soaking feet in water
Why Professional Foot Care Providers Avoid Pre-Soaking
Infection Control Standards
According to Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada, 2024) standards, maintaining strict infection control is essential. Pre-soaking feet can:
Introduce bacteria into micro-tears in the skin
Compromise the skin's natural protective barrier
Create a moist environment where bacteria and fungi thrive
Increase cross-contamination risks
Better Assessment and Treatment
When feet are not pre-soaked, foot care professionals can:
Accurately assess skin condition and texture
Identify problem areas more easily
Provide appropriate treatment based on actual skin condition
Reduce risk of accidental injury to softened, fragile skin
Special Populations: Who Should Never Soak Feet
Avoid foot soaking if you have:
Diabetes
Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
Peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation)
Open wounds or ulcers
History of foot infections
Weakened immune system
Dialysis treatment
These conditions increase your risk of complications from foot soaking, including infection, burns, and delayed healing.
The Bottom Line: What Should You Do?
Before Your Foot Care Appointment
DO:
Wash your feet normally on the day of your appointment
Dry them thoroughly
Wear clean socks
Arrive with clean, dry feet
Inform your practitioner of any foot problems
DON'T:
Soak your feet for extended periods
Use very hot water
Apply heavy lotions or oils right before your appointment
Try to "soften" your feet yourself
Questions to Ask Your Foot Care Provider
"What is your recommendation about foot soaking for my specific condition?"
"How should I prepare my feet before appointments?"
"What daily foot care routine do you recommend for me?"
"Are there any signs I should watch for between appointments?"
Maintaining Healthy Feet: The Canadian Approach
Regular Professional Care
According to Canadian foot care standards, most people benefit from professional foot care every 6-8 weeks. This regular schedule prevents buildup and reduces the perceived need for aggressive home treatments like soaking.
Daily Prevention
The best approach to foot health doesn't involve soaking—it involves:
Daily inspection of your feet
Proper hygiene with regular washing and thorough drying
Appropriate moisturizing (avoiding between toes)
Well-fitting footwear
Regular professional foot care
Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact a licensed foot care professional or healthcare provider if you notice:
Changes in skin color or temperature
New wounds, cuts, or blisters
Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, discharge)
Persistent pain or discomfort
Changes in sensation
Thickened or discolored nails
Conclusion: Skip the Soak, Choose Professional Care
Current Canadian research and clinical guidelines are clear: foot soaking before professional foot care is not recommended, especially for people with diabetes, circulation problems, or neuropathy. The risks of skin damage, infection, and complications outweigh any perceived benefits.
Instead, trust your licensed foot care professional to provide safe, effective treatment using evidence-based methods. Regular professional care, combined with proper daily foot hygiene, is the best way to maintain healthy feet—no soaking required.
About Soleful Harmony
Soleful Harmony provides professional mobile foot care services throughout Calgary and surrounding areas. As a licensed practical nurse with specialized foot care training, Jamilla follows the latest Canadian clinical practice guidelines to ensure safe, effective care for all clients.
Book your appointment today: 403-966-4415
Visit: https://solefulharmony.ca
References
Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. (2018). Foot Care. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 42(Suppl 1), S222-S227.
Wounds Canada. (2025). Best Practice Recommendations for Skin Health and Wound Management: Prevention and Management of Moisture-associated Skin Damage.
Takahashi, Y., Okura, K., Kaga, M., & Yoshioka, M. (2022). Effects of half-body and foot baths on peripheral circulation in healthy adult males: a pilot study. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 34(10), 652-657.
IPAC Canada. (2024). Professional Standards for Infection Prevention and Control.
Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses. Professional Standards and Guidelines.
