Acupuncture, massage therapies and natural oils are effective treatments for chronic foot pain, according to an article posted on the Mom Stress Relief Blog.

The article suggests that acupuncture and massage therapies are particularly effective at treating metatarsalgia, ball of foot pain, and Morton’s Neuroma, an enlarged nerve between the third and fourth toes. These therapies decrease bone and joint issues and reduce swelling so that sensitive nerve endings in the feet can heal.

The article quotes a 1999 a study published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine that found that electrical stimulation of the acupunctural needles increased blood flow to sources of pain and facilitated recovery.

The article also suggests that massaging the bottoms of the feet increases blood flow to the feet, relieving pain. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage treatments using thumb work are most effective.

Additionally, natural oils such as menthol (mint leaves), camphor and eucalyptus, soothe and cool feet and facilitate blood flow to areas of pain. Aloe also helps to hydrate and clean feet, and Epson salts help detoxify feet and reduce inflammation.

Foot pain is often caused by too much impact, certain intense physical activities and wearing the wrong shoes.