The foot is a very complex body part. It has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, muscles
and ligaments. Your feet play a very important role in your body’s alignment. Pain in the feet can
trigger pain in the legs, hips and back. In fact, there are more than 300 foot ailments. Few people
take care of their feet but you only get one pair and they have to last you a life time. Here are
some foot care tips to consider:
Regularly inspect your feet. Look at your feet for red spots, swelling and blisters. Discolored or
thickened nails may be a sign of a fungal infection. While peeling or scaling on the soles of the
feet might signal athlete’s foot.
Seek care early if you do get a foot injury.
Tell your health care provider if your feet change color, shape or become less sensitive.
Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly especially between the toes. Moisturize feet after
bathing to alleviate dry feet after bat. There is no benefit in soaking your feet in Epsom salt
compared to regular salt. In fact you may want to steer clear of salts altogether and soak your
feet in warm soapy water instead.
Trim your toenails straight across, not in corners or the sides, to avoid ingrown toenails
Make sure shoes fit properly. When in the market for a new pair of shoes, buy them later on in the
day when your feet are at their largest.
Avoid high heels. As fashionable as they are they are, they contribute to knee and back pain and may
cause structural changes in feet that make walking painful. If you must wear high heels alternate them
with more comfortable flats
Avoid wearing panty hose and socks for lengthy periods of time; your feet may get over heated which
can cause a fungal infection
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