Taking Care of Feet

According to the National Institutes of Health, the human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. Make sure all of the parts are healthy by following foot health practices:

• Check your feet regularly for cuts, cracks or other irregularities.
• Dry your feet and in between your toes thoroughly after bathing or swimming. If your feet sweat, change into clean socks when necessary to avoid excess moisture.
• Ensure shoes fit properly and are comfortable.
• If you enjoy wearing flat shoes, such as flip-flops, alternate between shoes that provide proper arch support and stability.
• If you frequently wear narrow-toed, high-heeled shoes, look for bunions.
• Invest in proper footwear if you are participating in a sport or other physical activity.
• Trim toenails straight across.
• Wash feet daily with soapy water.
• Wear shower shoes in fitness locker rooms, showers, public pool bathrooms and other wet areas to avoid infections.

While a professional pedicure might sound like the ideal way to treat your feet to some pampering, it can be risky business. If mandated sanitary guidelines are not strictly adhered to, visiting an incompliant salon or pedicure spa can put you at increased risk for infection.

To help reduce your risk, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages patrons to ask spas how their salon cleanliness is maintained. Spas should disinfect between each customer and again at the close of business.

The EPA also advises individuals to avoid pedicures if they have an open wound, such as a cut, abrasion, bug bite, scab or poison ivy, as bacteria can easily enter through the skin. Also, wait at least 24 hours before receiving a professional pedicure if you've recently shaved, used hair removal creams or waxed your legs.

The average American takes between 3,000 and 4,000 steps daily—that's nearly two miles. Make sure you are caring for the feet that get you where you need to go.

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