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Walk a mile in my moccasins?
How about walking a mile on my feet?
Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.
You will need proper footcare and proper footwear.

NATURAL FOOT CARE

1.For softening, cocoa butter, Shea butter, or coconut butter.

2.Common household honey is an antiseptic and can be used for its anti-bactericidal qualities.

3.Sal Tree is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

4.You can even apply the contents of a capsule of Vitamin E to your feet for nourishment.

5.Use tea tree oil as a natural fungicide.

GOOD SHOES

1.Good shoes provide support and cushioning.

2.The bones in your foot are fairly rigid. A shoe that is too soft may feel comfortable at first, but will lead to over flexing and discomfort later.

3.Try on shoes late in the afternoon, as feet can swell a whole size by later in the day.

4.Buy brands listed as "comfort shoes."

5.Check the bottom of your old shoes to see if you are wearing out the outside edges of the inside edges. Most people "pronate." This means they wear out the inside edges of the soles of their shoes. Ask a salesperson to help select a shoe that will keep you more evenly on your feet.

ORTHOTICS

1.Custom and over-the-counter products are readily available. Ask your medical provider if you are considering custom products. For many, an insert can help cushion and provide support to an otherwise average shoe.

2.Inserts should have a metatarsal lift and a heel cup, which helps align the foot.

FOOT CARE CREAMS

There are many foot care creams on the market. Many contain ingredients such as Lanolin or Beeswax, Glycerin, Sunflower Oil and Vitamin E.

1.To moisturize and nourish, look for one with a cream base, such as lanolin.

2.Cucumber creams also soften.

3.There are also specialized foot care creams, such as anti-fungal creams. Foot creams for diabetics can prevent skin lesions.

4.Avoid creams with camphor, as they can be irritating.

FOOT CARE TOOLS

1.Orthotics help stabilize your foot when you walk. This can prevent injury.
Heel smoothers to remove calluses.

2. Foot massage and foot baths also aid in foot health and relaxation. Epsom salts add an inexpensive addition to a foot soak.

TIPS FOR SHOE SHOPPING

1.Don't cram your feet into uncomfortable shoes, no matter how cute they are!

2.Ask to be measured each time you shop. Both length and width.

3. Buy a shoe larger than your foot. This may seem logical, but hold you shoes up to your feet and most of them will be HALF as big as your foot!

4.Buy the right size shoe. Don't buy a shoe that is the size you were last year. Feet change over time.

Indulge your feet.
Take time to give them the care they need to continue to carry you through your day.

Learn more about this author, Melanie Grimes.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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