How does Epsom salt relieve foot pain?

A warm Epsom salt foot bath can help relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation in the feet. It does this by aiding the absorption of magnesium through the skin. The absorption boosts the mineral's level in the body and decreases inflammation, causing relief of foot pain.

Foot pain is often associated with muscle cramps in the muscles of the foot or inflammation from conditions like arthritis and gout. Epsom Salt is a natural compound containing magnesium sulfate in a crystallized form. When soaking your feet in Epsom Salt and warm water, the Epsom salt dissolves into the water allowing the skin to absorb the magnesium. Absorption will boost magnesium levels, which will aid in reducing inflammation and muscle cramps, thus reducing pain. Low magnesium levels may lead you to be predisposed to cramps. Epsom Salts have other benefits for your feet as well, including reducing symptoms of athlete's foot and odor, while exfoliating the skin of the feet and lower leg. 

Foot soaks are not advised for people with diabetes as there is an increased risk for infection.