The foot contains 33 joints, 26 bones, 19 muscles
and 107 ligaments, and it carries the average person more than
115,000 miles in a lifetime. Yet, these two hard-working appendages
go largely unnoticed until they speak up.
According to the website
Foot.com, foot ailments are often the first symptom of
a more serious medical condition, such as diabetes, arthritis or
nerve/circulatory disorders. Even a minor callus, if it gets
infected, can become an ulcer that leads to widespread
infection.
Inspect your feet regularly. Diabetics should notify their
doctors of any blisters, sores, swelling or cracks between toes.
Obesity, dry climate and walking barefoot can cause heel fissures
or cracks.
Treat feet with regular use of a pumice stone, followed by a
moisturizer. Alleviate pressure points on the balls of the feet,
caused by hours of standing or ill-fitting shoes, by wearing padded
socks or using shoe inserts. Daily washing, careful drying and use
of foot powders are effective against fungal infections such as
athlete’s foot.