We ask a lot of our feet, take them for granted but scarcely give a thought to how best to keep them healthy. Until, of course, something goes wrong.

The human foot is one of the most complicated parts of the body. Each foot has 33 joints, eight arches, 26 bones, more than a hundred muscles, ligaments, and tendons that all work in unison to allow movement. Foot disorders must be diagnosed and treated early, as they often have the potential to become very painful and incapacitating.

There are three common foot problems that when treated early will save you from a lot of pain and more importantly, from more complications.

Corns and Calluses

Anybody who has ever worn uncomfortable shoes has probably had foot corns and calluses problems. Foot corns are a result of too much pressure being applied on the foot’s skin, such as when the bones of the feet press against tight shoes and also press against each other. This foot condition is fairly easy to treat wear wider shoes or cushion pads to relieve pressure.

Infected Toenails

Sometimes, the things you do to clean your toenails can do more harm than good. Over clipping and digging deep into the sides can cause nails to throb, swell and become infected and lead to a more serious foot problem called Ingrown Toenails. Podiatrists usually remove the nail spike and clean the area. In the worst case, you may have to undergo a simple surgery.

Athlete’s Foot

Fungi are attracted to warm and moist areas of the body such as the feet – usually between sweaty toes. The fungi latch onto the foot and cause it to itch, and peel. If untreated early the fungi can even spread to the toenails and lead to what is called as Athlete’s Foot. There are many over the counter antifungal sprays, creams and powder available to treat this condition.

Now, wrap your feet in plastic wrap and a warm towel. Kick back (literally)

For Your Soft Foot

for ten to twenty minutes. Waddle over to the tub and rinse off your feet. Not only will they feel smooth, they’ll smell yummy too!Ever walked around all day (playing sports, mall-hiking) and when you get home, you feel like your feet are gonna’ fall off? Give ‘em a nice, soothing soak! First, boil some water over the stove. Add some chamomile tea bags and let them steep in the water for a while- at least until

Other alternatives to foot soaks:
Add some of your favorite conditioner to warm water
Add your favorite moisturizing body wash
Use dish soap- it may dry your feet a little, so you’ll have to slather lotion on them after (or get your boyfriend to do it- even better!). It gets rid of all that sweat and dirt, though, and is fun and bubbly.
Add another kind of tea – like Green or Lemon. Mix a bunch of different kinds to make a unique smell to relax you.

the water cools down enough so you can put your feet in it without being in pain. Plop your tootsies on in, and relax. (oh yeah, before you put your feet in the water you can take some out in a cup and drink it as you soak your toes!)

Remember, you can’t use any kind of oil or lotion- it doesn’t mix with water!

Old Foot Care Tips: Before you go to bed, smother Vaseline all over your feet and put on cotton socks. You’ll wake up with super smooth tootsies!

Whenever you put lotion on your bod or hands (which your should do every night before you sleep and when you wake up) put a lot on your feet. If you do it regularly, it’ll help ‘em from getting rough and gnarly like they always do!