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Clean feet daily -

It's essential to keep up with foot hygiene. We use our feet every day, often in punishing ways. At the very least, wash your feet daily either as part of your bathing routine, or separately in lukewarm water using natural soap.

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Washing feet -

Avoid using hot or cold water. A medium temperature is ideal. And despite how relaxing the sensation, don't soak feet for too long, as this may dry them out.

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Inspect feet daily -

You should make a point of inspecting your feet daily. Check them for cuts and abrasions, even if no pain or discomfort is apparent.

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Checking toes -

Look carefully for any signs of bruising, swelling, or cracked skin. This includes checking between each toe.

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Don't forget the toenails -

Pay special attention to toenails for any signs of infection. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails, likely because your toes are usually wrapped in socks and confined to shoes for hours at a time.

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Moisturize regularly -

Get into the habit of moisturizing your feet every day with lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly. A good time to do this is at night, before you go to bed.

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Keep toes dry -

Avoid putting moisturizer between your toes. This is an area you should always keep dry to prevent infection.

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Don't wear ill-fitting socks -

When our feet sweat, moisture gets held against our skin by most types of socks. Socks that are too small or too tight can cause irritation.

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Careful what you wear -

Similarly, socks that are bunched up or too tight around the ankles or calf can also cause problems such as interfering with blood circulation.

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Risks associated with diabetes -

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing a wide range of foot problems. Even a small cut can produce serious consequences.

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Potential nerve damage -

These ricks include ulcers, corns, bunions (pictured), cracked heels, and ingrown toenails. Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet, so it's important to carry out a regular visual inspection.

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Increased risk -

Anyone with diabetes can develop nerve damage, but this risk increases if blood sugar levels are difficult to manage, you're overweight, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

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Diabetic sock -

If you're living with diabetes, consider wearing special socks designed with extra cushioning and moisture-wicking fiber.

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Shoes that fit -

Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes (this advice is for all of us). If the pair you have cause pain or discomfort, they are probably the wrong size.

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Flip-flops are a no-no -

They're okay for a couple of hours on the beach, but resists wearing flip-flops for long periods. They simply don't provide enough arch support.

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Footwear rotation -

Purchase shoes wisely, based more on comfort than conforming to a fashion trend. And rotate your shoes so you're not wearing the same pair every day.

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Cut nails regularly -

Keep your toenails trimmed, but not too short. It's important to make sure that you cut your toenails straight across, leaving them long enough so that the corners lie loosely against the skin at the sides.

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Smooth the corners -

Afterwards, use an emery board or nail file to smooth the corners, which will prevent the nail from growing into your skin.

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Cut toenails carefully -

It's equally important to cut toenails carefully. If you cannot cut your own nails, it's worth investing in the services of a qualified and experienced podiatrist.

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Corns and calluses -

Corns and calluses are a buildup of hard, thick areas of skin usually seen on feet, hands, or fingers. The most common cause is shoes that don't fit properly.

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Corns and calluses -

But corns and calluses can develop also because of friction, pressure, or irritation, very often caused by repetitive action or long periods standing upright.

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Painful -

Corns usually form on the top of the foot, often on a toe. They may be pea-sized or slightly larger, and can be painful when pressed.

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Check underneath -

Calluses appear more often on the bottom of the foot—on the ball of the limb, the heel, and sometimes both.

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Pumice stone -

Corns and calluses can be easily treated. Use a pumice stone to banish calluses by rubbing the affected area while you're in the bath or the shower.

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Corn pads -

Specially designed pads help protect corns from irritation and relieve pain and pressure.

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Footbath -

Treat tired and aching feet to an occasional footbath. Mix two tablespoons of sea salt, a few drops of lavender essential oil, and a tablespoon of olive oil into a bowl of lukewarm water, then sit back and relax.

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Eliminating foot odor -

Don't waste money on foot deodorizing products. Instead, massage your feet with lemon after bathing to keep nasty foot odor at bay. Afterwards, lightly talcum your feet before putting on your shoes.

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Dealing with cracked heels -

Cracked heels can be painful and impede your ability to walk properly. Treat the condition naturally with a rejuvenating footbath of lukewarm water mixed with sugar and olive oil. Repeat once a month until the skin is smooth and soft.

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Get physical -

To keep in optimum shape (and maintain healthy feet), it's important to get the recommended amount of daily physical activity to prevent and manage many chronic conditions and diseases. Just remember to wear comfortable and properly fitting running shoes!

Sources: (Diabetes UK) (NHS) (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) (Healthline)

See also: Celebrities with shockingly horrendous feet

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