Feet have a very tough job — taking on hundreds of tons of force — in an average day of walking. Now add all the other stresses – unsupportive shoes, sweaty socks, standing on the job for long hours, exercise and more.  From the time you learn to walk, you put a lot of wear and tear on the “workhorses” of your body.

It’s easy to abuse our feet and take them for granted, but foot pain is not something to be ignored.  Spending a few minutes each day on foot care can make you feel great.

Here are some tips for happy feet:

1. alternate the shoes you wear each day
2. buy supportive shoes with a proper fit and arch support
3. minimize the amount of time you wear non-supportive shoes like flip-flops, flats and heels
4. wash, dry and moisturize feet regularly
5. elevate feet at the end of the day, or when you can during the day
6. use warm water foot soaks with gentle soap
7. use heat therapy, like a microwave foot warmer pad or foot warmer booties
8. get a foot massage
9. see a podiatrist if problems persist, especially if you are pregnant, diabetic or aging

When foot pain changes the way you walk, it changes the way the bones and other joints move with each other.  You know the song, “The leg bone’s connected to the thigh bone…The thigh bone’s connected to the hip bone…,” tells the whole story.  Foot problems can lead to ankle, knee, hip and back pain. So, start with foot care for overall health.