Our feet are a very important part of our body, but they often get neglected. Sore, achy feet can be caused by a number of problems – often due to pressure or friction on the foot.

It is important to wear the correct footwear because if your shoes are too tight or too loose, this can cause your feet to swell and blisters to appear. Blisters are fluid-filled sacs caused by friction. If you have a blister, it is best to leave it to dry naturally and not burst it, as this can cause infection. Also, pressure on the foot over a longer period of time can lead to longer-term problems like joint pain.

Sweating is normal and healthy, but can start to smell because of hormones – this is why teenagers are well known for having smelly feet! A good idea is to change your socks regularly or use deodorisers. Ensure that shoes are dried out at the end of the day if they have been worn for hours, as damp shoes lead to an increase in bacteria, which can cause fungal infections.

Let some air get to your feet
In the warmer weather, we need to let some air get to our feet. Leather or canvas shoes are better than plastic ones, but wearing sandals or flip-flops all the time is bad for your feet as these shoes do not provide much support to the foot, and can lead to heel pain. Insoles to cushion the soles of your feet can help with this.

Another alternative is to go barefoot, but going barefoot too much can cause corns and callouses, which are areas of thickened skin due to excessive pressure or friction on the foot. Bunions are also caused by friction, and they often form as a lump on the side of the big toe joint.

Another disadvantage of not wearing any footwear is picking up foot diseases from public areas such as changing rooms at the swimming pool or gym – athlete’s foot is an example of this. And you may also spread infection if you have a wart known as a verruca as this is caused by the HPV virus, which means it is contagious. Prevent infecting other people by wearing a plaster on the affected area.

Putting your feet up after a long day helps circulation
Give your feet some attention by washing them each day with warm soapy water and dry them well – especially between the toes as dampness can lead to a build-up of bacteria. After washing your feet, moisturise them to keep the skin soft. Similarly, remember to apply sun cream to your feet when they are exposed in the sun, as they can burn just like any other part of your body.

Feet can get tired, especially if a lot of your time is spent standing up. Exercise your feet by wiggling your toes or circling your ankles to help the circulation. Putting your feet up after a long day also helps the circulation, as does massaging them – and if you can get someone else to massage them, even better!