There are a number of maladies that can affect your feet. You may not have even thought about some of these things, but when you experience foot problems, you will definitely wish you had taken better care of your feet. Rather than waiting until after you have developed embarrassing foot odor, painful ingrown toenails or persistent infections, you should pre-empt the problems by utilizing proper care for your feet every day.

  1. Wash! The number one rule in foot care is keeping them clean and dry. It is very important to wash your feet every day and dry them properly. You need to take special care to get between the toes. When your feet are in shoes most of the day, sweat and lack of air can lead to bacteria growth and even fungal infections. These are the source of odor and other issues. Drying your feet thoroughly after washing, and applying foot powder can help you reduce the chances of developing such problems.

  2. Moisturize! While you should try to keep your feet dry, you do not want the skin to be dried out. This may sound confusing, but using moisturizers is beneficial in keeping the skin from becoming scaly and cracked. If you wear sandals a lot, the skin is even more prone to becoming overly dry. If you have extreme dryness, the best thing to do is rub a lotion that contains cocoa butter on your feet, avoiding application between the toes, and then wearing socks to bed. The lotion will soften your skin overnight.

  3. Wear comfy shoes! You may love the look of heels, but they can wreak havoc on your health. It is okay on occasion, but they are not recommended for wearing on a daily basis. Furthermore, it is a good idea to have your feet measured occasionally to ensure that you are still wearing the right size. Often feet will grow a half-size without you realizing it. If shoes are too tight, you can experience many problems, like corns, calluses, hammertoes and ingrown toenails, or they just may make your feet hurt. Leather and cotton – natural materials – are also better for the feet because they can release moisture, and mesh can be the best for this reason. Also, do not wear the same shoes every day. Alternate so they can dry out between wears.

  4. Wear socks! Many shoes are not made to be worn with socks, and they are fine, but your feet will thank you if you combine your comfortable shoes with socks. Socks can help absorb moisture and keep your feet dry, and they can provide extra protection against the impact from walking and running. Socks also keep your shoes from causing blisters and calluses from rubbing your feet as you move about. The best socks for your feet are cotton or wool, although certain synthetic material made especially for moisture-wicking can also be beneficial.

  5. Walk! The stronger the bones, ligaments and muscles in your feet are, the less likely they will be to become injured and bring you pain. Walking and exercising regularly are the only ways to strengthen you and to keep them flexible. Proper footwear – breathable, flexible and well-fitting – will be vital, and it is best not to do all of your walking on pavement, as this can cause too much impact on your feet. Walking on a soft track or in the grass can help you get the exercise you need without your feet paying the price.