The pampered foot
"We keep our body in shape but ignore and overuse our feet,"
says Suzanne Levine, D.P.M., a podiatric surgeon in New York
City. Take care of your dogs before they start to bark.
In the shower, scrub your tootsies,
including between your toes, with soap and an abrasive sponge or
washcloth. Dry thoroughly, especially between toes. Then
moisturize and massage. This reduces pain by promoting skin-cell
turnover, shrinking calluses and increasing circulation, Levine
says.
Draw the letters of the alphabet in the air
with your toes once a day. This will help keep your feet limber
and relieve tension in your muscles and tendons.
Simple calf stretches against a wall can
loosen your Achilles tendon, relieving foot, ankle and leg pain,
Levine says. Try three 30-second stretches each day.
Find your perfect pair
Shop for shoes like a foot-care pro with the guidance of
Carolyn McAloon, D.P.M., from Castro Valley, California.
Shop later in the day, because your feet
tend to swell as hours pass. Shoes bought in the A.M. may end up
being too tight.
Have your feet measured while standing if
you've had a baby, are over 25 or have recently lost or gained
weight.
If you have bunions or fear hammertoe, avoid
styles that squeeze toes, such as pointy ankle booties and
peep-toes.
Flats with little support can be almost as
damaging as heels, leading to arch and heel pain. Stiff inserts
can help.
Never break in shoes. "If they hurt your
feet while you're still in the store, forget about it," McAloon
says.