Experts Say Soaking Feet in Hot Water May Be an Effective Migraine Home Remedy

Commonly, migraines bring severe pain, however, a basic hot water hack is claimed by TikTokers to potentially alleviate the symptoms.

Diverse migraine treatments and solutions exist that range from magnesium to ibuprofen to prescription nasal sprays, but they don’t always prove effective for everyone. To counter this, individuals on the internet strongly advocate for the immersion of the feet in hot water.

The advice has become a viral sensation, with one TikTok post from late September accumulating 10.8 million views and 1.3 million likes. A user named Kyla, who is seen sitting on the rim of her bathtub with her feet immersed in hot water expresses her "disbelief" at the effectiveness of this home remedy.

Other TikTokers have also vouched for the hack. A video that has been watched more than 4 million times, showcases Becca Von Bereghy suggesting that individuals suffering from migraines soak their feet in hot water, as hot as can be tolerated, until the headache subsides.

Another TikToker, Andrea Eder, conveyed her experience that she was "forever grateful" to those who had shared this method on TikTok, believing it to have altered her life.

However, TikTok's medical advice can sometimes be questionable. But experts argue that there's a possibility that immersing your feet in hot water could help alleviate migraine symptoms, even though enough research doesn't exist to back this up.

Amit Sachdev, MD, the medical director in the department of neurology at Michigan State University, stated that he was "always open to hearing from a patient about what works for them."

Migraines, which differ from "regular" headaches, can cause moderate to severe pulsating or throbbing pain, typically concentrated on one side of the head. Sensitivity to light and smells, nausea, or vomiting are other symptoms that people with migraines can experience. If not treated, these symptoms can last for up to 3 days.

Therefore, effective strategies for treating or preventing pain are essential for people suffering from migraines.

Medhat Mikhael, MD, pain management specialist and medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, stated that soaking your feet in hot water may be a solution for some individuals.

Despite the positive anecdotal evidence, concrete data to validate the effectiveness of soaking feet in water in treating migraines is scarce.

A small study from 2016 took 40 chronic migraine patients and divided them into two groups. Though both groups received conventional migraine medication, one group also received "hydrotherapy." The hydrotherapy group placed their feet and arms in hot water baths and received a daily 20-minute ice massage on their heads.

The 45-day study concluded that those in the hydrotherapy group had less pain than the control group. Nonetheless, further research is necessary.

Kiran Rajneesh, MD, neurologist and pain medicine specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, emphasized the need for doctors to thoroughly assess new therapies and treatments, including lifestyle measures, prior to endorsement.

It remains uncertain how immersing your feet in hot water could lessen migraine pain, but experts have proposed several theories.

Mikhael explains that when one's feet are immersed in hot water, it may aid in directing blood towards the feet and lower legs. The blood is then drawn away from the brain, possibly reducing a migraine attack.

Several other theories also exist. According to Rajneesh, activating surrounding nerves can sometimes decrease the total amount of pain signal reaching the brain, ultimately minimizing pain experienced by patients.

Mikhael further added that warm water has the potential to mimic the feeling of being in a hot tub, which can be soothing. He shared that people experiencing a migraine episode are usually stressed and anxious, so soaking the feet can bring comfort and lessen some of the pain.

In addition, immersing your feet in warm water might serve as a method for distracting oneself from the migraine.

Mikhael added that the "central nervous system likes distraction during acute pain episodes," and soaking your feet "distracts the system and decreases the pain signal conduction."

The research supporting this homemade migraine remedy might not be substantial. However, trying the hack won't be harmful, added Sachdev.

The only safety concern would be the temperature of the water itself. People should use a thermometer or their finger to see if it’s tolerable ahead of time.

“Don’t put your feet or leg in very hot, boiling water—you can burn them,” said Mikhael.

This trick is just another tool people can use to help relieve their migraine headaches—there are a lot of options available, ranging from home remedies to over-the-counter medications to prescriptions.

The right choice for you is ultimately the one that works. And it’s best to talk to a doctor for guidance, said Mikhael.

As for home remedies, Rajneesh suggested drinking plenty of water, avoiding loud sounds and lights, and taking a short nap if possible. Avoiding an excess or lack of caffeine may also help, Mikhael added.

And if you use medication, it’s best to take it as soon as you feel a migraine coming on.

“If you take it early enough, you may be able to avoid going through the whole migraine episode and shorten it, instead of making it last hours,” Mikhael said.