Without doubt, your feet are the most active part of your body, even more than your hands. In fact most of the time they are definitely overworked. In this scenario, what do you do for your feet? A pedicure once a month is not enough. You need to take care almost on a daily basis. Most of the foot problems are caused because of neglect and almost no maintenance of your feet. 

Cracking and fissures in the skin of the heels and the balls of the feet can be painful, especially for heavy individuals who place more pressure on these parts. As with any open skin lesion, a fissure leaves the region susceptible to bacteria. Foot infections can be very serious because bacteria tend to multiply rapidly and travel deep into the foot quickly because of the continuous pressure. They are often hard to heal because the wound is surrounded by calloused skin.

You must pamper your feet once in a while and give them special treatment and also care for them every day. Following tips will help you to take care of your feet.


Scrub your feet with a foot scrubber as it removes the dry cells. Then, apply moisturizer generously.

Apply foot cream before going to bed, to avoid cracked heels.

Avoid wearing high heels as they put pressure on the feet. Ill-fitting shoes or weakened arches may cause corns and calluses. Hence selection of proper shoes is essential. If at all you suffer from corns and calluses, use corn remover pads and ointments, after consulting your physician.

To prevent foot odor [due to perspiration], use odor-control products that comprise of foot powders, foot sprays and specially designed insoles. These keep the feet dry and fresh as well as prevent foot odor.

Shoe-bite is a common complaint, so to avoid them. Use heel grips and cushions and also 'air pillow', which provide cushioning comfort while relieving pressure on heel

For daily use, wear shoes of adequate width, comfortable instep and plenty of wiggle room for toes. Reserve high heels and tight shoes for short-term wear. Heel tight should generally be restricted to no more than 2 ½ inches and the heel should be broad enough to support the wearer's weight.

Change socks or tights daily and don't wear the same shoes daily, which you use for running - give them a day or to dry out properly as feet sweat a lot.

Smelly Feet

To get rid of smelly feet, soak feet in an antiseptic mouthwash for 10 minutes. That should temporarily get rid of the smell.

Simple home remedies

1. Soak feet for 10 minutes in warm water to which salt has been added. Remove and scrub dry, especially between the toes. This is the easiest way to relax tired feet. In the case of a sprain add Epsom salt to the water for best results.

2. You can also use the hot 'n' cold treatment, which improves the blood circulation of your feet. First dip you feet in hot water and then dip it in cold water. Do this for 20 minutes.

3. Alternatively add a shampoo to warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. This will also improve the texture of the toenails.

4. For cracked heels mix a few drops of lemon juice in Vaseline and apply gently on cracked heels.

5. Scrub heels with pumice stone while bathing and then apply a rich moisturizing cream.

6. Use a good hand and body lotion on your feet too.

7. After bath, apply almond oil to the feet and massage until all the oil has been soaked up. Do it for a month for best results.

8. Do not expose your feet to extreme climate i.e., extreme cold or extreme heat.

9. Wash feet daily in lukewarm water, blot dry without rubbing and apply a urea-based cream.

10. If your heels are very dry, use a pumice stone to slough off dry skin, cover feet with petroleum jelly and put a pair of socks before going to bed.

11. Pedicure your feet more often.

FOOT SOFTENING TREATMENT
Wash feet thoroughly and then follow with...

Super Foot Scrub

1/4 cup oatmeal 
1/4 cup cornmeal 
1/4 cup course salt 
1/4 cup unsented body lotion 
2 tablespoons Aloe Vera Gel

Rinse feet then use...

4 Vitamin E capsules pop with a pin and squeeze out oil
4 teaspoons cocoa butter 
4 tablespoons almond oil

Take mixture and slather on your feet generously. Put on dry clean socks and wrap feet in plastic bags and tie around ankles with string to hold in place. Soak your feet in warm water 15 minutes.