Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Subscribe
Gift wrapping hack
Watch 0:20

Gift wrapping hack

{headline}

{headline}

Busted! 10 myths about feet

Busted! 10 myths about feet

Adding healthy food to your diet is more crucial than cutting out junk

Adding healthy food to your diet is more crucial than cutting out junk

Hang with your friends twice a week for better health

Hang with your friends twice a week for better health

5 easy ways to reduce the amount of salt you eat

5 easy ways to reduce the amount of salt you eat

{headline}

{headline}

7 healthy ingredients you should have in your fridge at all times

7 healthy ingredients you should have in your fridge at all times

Doing this with your curtains will make you more likely to get sick

Doing this with your curtains will make you more likely to get sick

How to know when foot pain isn’t normal

How to know when foot pain isn’t normal

{headline}

{headline}

There is an optimal length for your workout and it’s less than you think

There is an optimal length for your workout and it’s less than you think

4 reasons why you should eat nuts today

4 reasons why you should eat nuts today

Turns out taking regular holidays is the key to living longer

Turns out taking regular holidays is the key to living longer

Are you eating apples the wrong way?

Are you eating apples the wrong way?

Experts say this is the best diet for reducing belly fat

Experts say this is the best diet for reducing belly fat

5 herbs that reduce inflammation

5 herbs that reduce inflammation

How essential oils can cure your Mondayitis

How essential oils can cure your Mondayitis

  1. Home
  2. Better Life

8 things you should be doing for your feet

But probably aren't. - by Annie Millar
  • 18 Apr 2019
8 things you should be doing for your feet

Feet are just one of those body parts that many of us don't give much thought. Regardless whether you spend your days teetering in high heels or pournding the pavements in comfortable flats, your feet cop the brunt of the stress that your body feel. Unfortunately, many of us don't identify health issues with our feet until it's too late, and the issue is already serious. With that in mind, we have some tips for keeping your tootsies healthy. 

Strength work

The best way to keep your feet in good shape is to improve their flexibility and strength. Give them a regular massage and work on stretching the muscles and ligaments.

Try these:

  1. Standing up in bare feet, wiggle your toes. Spread them apart and try to raise each toe individually. Next, rise up and stand on your toes for a count of 10, holding on to something for support if necessary. Go up and down a few times. This is also a great way to improve your balance as it calls lots of other muscles in to play at the same time.
  2. While you’re sitting or lying down, draw circles with your feet, moving from your ankles. Repeat in the opposite direction. Next, point and flex your feet several times.
  3. When possible, go barefoot and walk on the sand, grass or floor to stimulate nerve endings and pressure points. If it’s cold wear loose socks indoors.

Daily care

After washing your feet check they’re completely dry, including between toes. This will reduce the risk of developing skin problems.

filing foot
Getty

Weekly care

Manage calluses and dry skin by using a foot file at least once a week. Whether it’s a battery-operated device or a hand help file, making it a regular habit reduces the build up. Massaging your feet with a body scrub removes dry skin and improves circulation.

Nail care

The golden rule for cutting your toenails is to cut them straight across. A slight curve is ok, but never cut down the sides. This prevents ingrown toenails. If you’re not confident about trimming your own nails go to a professional salon or see a podiatrist. Ask friends for recommendations if possible.

Pedicure

Fungal infections

Athlete’s foot, also called tinea, is a very common infection and it’s contagious. The fungus grows best in warm, moist environments such as socks, swimming pools and locker rooms. Opt for cotton or wool socks, as they absorb moisture and wear your own thongs in communal areas. Fungal infections can also develop under toenails. Talk to your pharmacist about treatment options or consult a podiatrist.

Corns and calluses

Badly fitting shoes put too much pressure on certain areas and lead to calluses and corns. Carrying extra weight contributes too. To reduce the chances of developing either, don’t wear the same shoes every day if possible, and never wear shoes that are too small. Corn removal pads are available in pharmacies, but a podiatrist will remove corns and calluses quickly, effectively and painlessly.  

drying feet
Getty

Cracked heels

If your feet are exposed to the elements on a regular basis the skin on your heels in particular, will become dry and eventually crack. To solve the problem - at night before bed, apply a foot cream or moisturiser to clean feet.

Painful feet

If your feet hurt or you have corns or bunions see a podiatrist. They’re foot experts and will work with you to find the best solution. Even if you don’t have a problem they’re worth a visit once or twice a year for a foot check-up and once over. Many private health funds include podiatry.

You might also like:

Busted! 10 myths about feet

Happy hands and feet

5 things you'll regret not doing for your body

  • Health
  • Better Life
Annie Millar
Annie Millar
Annie Millar is the beauty and lifestyle editor of Better Homes and Gardens. With more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry, she’s passionate about inspiring women to enjoy their own kind of beautiful. Annie's qualifications include Life Coaching, Makeup Artistry, Beauty Therapy and Secondary Teaching.

3 FREE issues - Plus a Free tote bag!

Subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens.

Subscribe Now
3 FREE issues

3 FREE issues - Plus a Free tote bag!

Subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens.

Subscribe Now
3 FREE issues

Recommended to you

Gift wrapping hack
Watch 0:20

Gift wrapping hack

{headline}

{headline}

Busted! 10 myths about feet

Busted! 10 myths about feet

Adding healthy food to your diet is more crucial than cutting out junk

Adding healthy food to your diet is more crucial than cutting out junk

Hang with your friends twice a week for better health

Hang with your friends twice a week for better health

5 easy ways to reduce the amount of salt you eat

5 easy ways to reduce the amount of salt you eat

{headline}

{headline}

7 healthy ingredients you should have in your fridge at all times

7 healthy ingredients you should have in your fridge at all times

Doing this with your curtains will make you more likely to get sick

Doing this with your curtains will make you more likely to get sick

How to know when foot pain isn’t normal

How to know when foot pain isn’t normal

{headline}

{headline}

There is an optimal length for your workout and it’s less than you think

There is an optimal length for your workout and it’s less than you think

4 reasons why you should eat nuts today

4 reasons why you should eat nuts today

Turns out taking regular holidays is the key to living longer

Turns out taking regular holidays is the key to living longer

Are you eating apples the wrong way?

Are you eating apples the wrong way?

Experts say this is the best diet for reducing belly fat

Experts say this is the best diet for reducing belly fat

5 herbs that reduce inflammation

5 herbs that reduce inflammation

How essential oils can cure your Mondayitis

How essential oils can cure your Mondayitis

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Pacific Network

  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Health
  • Men’s Health
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7travel
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
© 2019 Pacific Magazines
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

3 FREE issues - Plus a Free tote bag!

Shop This Offer
3 FREE issues