Foot bath: what it is, what it’s for and how to do it

After spending many hours standing, walking throughout the day, or when the weather gets hot, it is common to feel that your legs are heavier or more tired than usual. This sensation can particularly affect people who suffer from circulation problems.
In this case, water can become a great ally, providing a pleasant feeling of well-being and relief for your legs. One of the methods used for this purpose is the foot hydrotherapy bath: a hydrotherapy technique that acts on the feet and legs using water at different pressures and temperatures.
But what exactly is a foot hydrotherapy bath? What is it used for? In this article, we explain what this treatment involves and how you can enjoy its benefits at Balneario de Fitero.

What is a foot hydrotherapy bath?

If we look at the meaning of a foot hydrotherapy bath, we find a very simple concept: it is a bubble bath focused on the feet and lower legs.
A foot hydrotherapy bath is a hydrotherapy technique in which the feet and legs are immersed in water up to approximately the middle of the shins while pressurised water is delivered through multiple jets. These jets operate at a constant temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius.
As a result, the combination of temperature, pressure and water movement stimulates the lower limbs.
Due to its characteristics and benefits, foot hydrotherapy is a treatment that promotes leg well-being, especially for people with circulatory problems such as varicose veins, lymphoedema or trophic skin disorders.

What is foot hydrotherapy used for? Sensations and benefits

One of the main reasons for using hydrotherapy for the feet and legs is its effect on circulation.
The application of microbubbles and water jets stimulates the sensory nerve endings located in the feet and promotes venous return circulation.
These are the main benefits of foot hydrotherapy:

  • Promotes circulation and venous return, especially in the lower limbs.
  • Contributes to muscle relaxation, providing a pleasant sensation.
  • Produces a soothing and relaxing effect, promoting overall well-being.
  • Helps relieve the feeling of tired or heavy legs, thanks to the combined action of water, temperature and pressure.

For this reason, foot baths designed to improve circulation can be particularly pleasant after spending a long time standing or when your legs feel tired and heavy.

What to expect during a foot hydrotherapy session at the spa

How is a foot hydrotherapy bath performed? In a thermal spa setting, the treatment takes place in a specially designed facility where water acts on the feet and legs through small jets and microbubbles.
At Balneario de Fitero, a foot hydrotherapy session lasts 10 minutes. During this time, the water acts on the lower limbs by combining temperature, pressure and movement.
Furthermore, the treatment requires no effort from the person receiving it: simply place your legs in the foot hydrotherapy bath and let the water do its work.

Precautions: when to consult your doctor beforehand

Although this is a simple technique, there are situations in which it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional beforehand.
Possible contraindications for foot hydrotherapy depend on each person’s health condition and the specific characteristics of the treatment. In particular, special care should be taken if you have:

  • Cardiovascular diseases.
  • Sensory impairments.
  • Skin injuries or infections affecting the feet or legs.

At our spa, treatments are recommended according to each guest’s individual needs and circumstances. To ensure this, we have a medical department that is also available to answer any questions you may have.
Therefore, if you have any of the conditions mentioned above, we recommend informing our medical team before undergoing any thermal spa treatment.

Foot hydrotherapy at Balneario de Fitero: part of the thermal spa circuit

The use of mineral-medicinal waters has been part of Balneario de Fitero’s identity since 1909. Since then, our spa has maintained a close connection with thermal treatments and the therapeutic use of the waters that flow from the springs of Fitero.
For this reason, at our facilities you can combine foot hydrotherapy with other treatments to promote your well-being and improve circulation in your legs. If you regularly experience heaviness or discomfort, we particularly recommend our Tired Legs programme.
What are you waiting for? Book your stay at Fitero and dedicate a few days to rest, self-care and the well-being of your legs. You deserve it!

Frequently asked questions about foot hydrotherapy

How long does a foot hydrotherapy session last?

At Balneario de Fitero, a foot hydrotherapy session lasts 10 minutes. The duration may vary at other centres depending on the type of treatment and its objectives. Find out more about our foot hydrotherapy sessions!

What is the water temperature in a foot hydrotherapy bath?

Different water temperatures can be used in foot hydrotherapy. In our treatment, the water temperature is 23 degrees Celsius, combining the effects of temperature with the pressure of the water jets.

Is a foot hydrotherapy bath the same as a regular foot bath?

Although both involve immersing the feet in water, they are not the same. A spa foot hydrotherapy bath incorporates specific hydrotherapy elements, such as pressurised water jets, microbubbles and more.

Does foot hydrotherapy help with tired legs?

Yes. The action of the water, jets and microbubbles promotes venous return circulation and provides a feeling of relaxation and relief in the legs. For this reason, it is particularly beneficial for people who experience tired or heavy legs.

BAÑOS DE FITERO S.A. quiere dar un paso más y ahora apuesta, a parte de la calidad, también por las energías renovables, ya que para la producción de sus productos emplea una gran cantidad de energía eléctrica.

Para dar cumplimiento a este compromiso medioambiental se ha realizado una instalación fotovoltaica para autoconsumo de 189,98 kWp. El objetivo principal del sistema solar fotovoltaico es el de generar energía en C/ Extramuros, s/n, 31593 Fitero (Navarra). La energía fotovoltaica es una energía limpia que no produce emisiones de Gases Electo Invernadero (GE, del que el sector energético es responsable de más de dos terceras partes). Por todo esto es justo asegurar que esta tecnología contribuye activamente al cambio del modelo energético haciéndolo más eficiente y sostenible. Esta actuación se ha realizado gracias al apoyo público de los Fondos de la Unión Europea con la aceptación de la ayuda dentro de la Primera Convocatoria de Ayudas a inversión en instalaciones de generación de energía eléctrica con fuentes de energía renovable en la Comunidad Autónoma de Navarra cofinanciadas con Fondos Next Generation, que ha proporcionado una ayuda con un importe de 59.152,28 €. Más información