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Is it advisable to soak feet in hot water when suffering from heatstroke?

Jul 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Individuals with mild heatstroke typically experience a return to normal body temperature after treatment, with only mild fatigue remaining. Soaking feet in warm water around 38°C can promote blood circulation and relieve physical discomfort. However, the soaking time should not be too long, about 10-15 minutes is sufficient, and the water temperature should not be too high to avoid increasing the body's burden. For severe heatstroke, where body temperature remains elevated or is accompanied by impaired consciousness, foot soaking may add more heat stress to the body.

Generally, individuals with mild heatstroke can soak their feet in warm water after their body temperature has returned to normal, but those with severe heatstroke or whose body temperature remains elevated should not soak their feet. If any abnormalities occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

For individuals with mild heatstroke, once their body temperature has normalized following treatment and only slight fatigue remains, soaking feet in warm water around 38°C can promote blood circulation and relieve physical discomfort. However, the duration of foot soaking should not be too long—10 to 15 minutes is sufficient—and the water temperature should not be too high, to avoid increasing the body's burden.

For severe heatstroke where body temperature remains persistently high or is accompanied by impaired consciousness, soaking the feet in hot water will further increase body heat, worsen symptoms of hyperthermia, and may lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain due to vasodilation, thereby exacerbating the condition. In such cases, cooling measures should be taken first, rather than soaking the feet.

Before soaking feet, ensure that the symptoms of heatstroke have sufficiently subsided. Do not attempt foot soaking for severe heatstroke; timely medical treatment is more advisable.

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