It is estimated that in a lifetime a person will walk the equivalent of four times around the world.
This is all the more reason people need to take care of their feet.
With so much demand we place on them, its a good idea to start paying attention to the care of our feet.
Most of the problems people have with their feet can be avoided with regular, simple care.
Foot Problems stemming from footwear A major cause behind feet problems is wrong footwear.
The wrong shoes can spell doom for your feet.
Shoes that are either too large or too small for your feet, or if they have a rough spot they will rub against your skin.
This will result in small water filled cushions, commonly known as blisters.
Another common foot problem that stems from poor choice of shoes is bunions.
Ladies, you may suffer from heel pain or even tendinitis in your calves if you wear high heeled shoes.
Specific types of pain Some have pain in the ball of their foot.
This can be due to nerve endings rubbing against the bone on the bottom of the foot.
Shoe inserts might provide some relief by redistributing weight, and there are even ones that can be custom made.
Talk to your podiatrist about this.
The Achilles tendon which is at the base of the ankle and the calf muscle can also become inflamed and cause pain.
Athletes tend to suffer from this pain so it is a good idea to stretch the Achilles tendon before playing sports.
Also, remember to stay thoroughly hydrated.
A corn or callus is like a blister except it has become dry and hardened.
If this area of your foot cracks, it can lead to severe pain and even impede walking.
Find relief by soaking your feet in mildly hot water once or twice a day.
Try adding about a cup of Epsom salt to the water for extra muscle relaxation.
Supplement the soak with skin lotions and creams to keep the feet from becoming dry.
Bunions are forms of calluses and corns and are actually considered deformities.
They are more associated with pain in the joints and can lead to major foot problems if left untreated.
If there is a single issue most closely related to improper footwear, this may be it.
There are some home remedies that can be used such as an anti-inflammatory or a nice soak.
However, it is best to consult with a health care professional as bunions may need surgery for removal.
Moving on from the harsh reality Dealing with painful feet is an unfortunate part of everyday life for many.
While the range in causes can vary greatly, something most people don't realize is that you don't have to suffer.
After pinpointing what is likely the culprit of your foot pain, relief is not far behind.