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Your feet are to your body what foundation is to a building. They provide the understructure you need to keep yourself standing and to get you from one point to another. Thus, they should be treated with care and not be neglected. Ensuring their health does not mean just putting them up to rest at the end of a long day. Though that indeed is one thing you can do that will have your feet thanking you. Here are some rules you can follow to keep your heels cushioned and have you on your toes for longer.

Invest in Antimicrobial Socks

While they may be a tad more challenging to find than your regular cotton pairs, antimicrobial socks have plenty of benefits. When you have an active day, this does tend to take a toll on your feet. They may become susceptible to sweat and moisture that can result in foul odors and maybe even skin infections. Your socks serve as a protective layer between your feet and your shoes. Choosing an antimicrobial pair does not just ensure your feet stay dry and fresh, it will also prevent unwanted microbes—which may lead to fungal growth and other such skin complications—from thriving on the fabric.

Besides having antibacterial properties, great antimicrobial socks  are also typically made with thermoregulating fabric that keep your feet clean and dry. Their breathability makes them a reliable staple, especially for those who are prone to having sweaty feet.

Besides choosing the right pair of socks, make sure you wear a clean pair each day. Remember that bacteria and fungal spores are invisible to the eye, so don’t trust that the same pair can be worn multiple days.

With your body’s base taken care of, you can focus your attention on other important things.

Examine Your Feet Regularly

With countless things on your mind, your feet may be the last thing on your list of things to keep track of, but this shouldn’t be the case. Every day when you bathe, wash your feet thoroughly with lukewarm water and a sponge or loofah to scrub off rough skin and any lingering germs. When you’re done, make sure you dry them thoroughly. Adding some foot powder could also be a nice touch.

Besides these basics, it also helps to watch out for any small cuts, blisters, cracks or calluses. After emphasizing how important your feet are to your general well-being, a few minutes of making sure they’re in tip-top shape is nothing.

Make Sure Your Nail Salon Sterilizes Their Materials Properly

If you are a fan of getting regular pedicures and foot spas, make sure you go to a reputable parlor. The last thing you want is the technician using the same nail cutter and file that she used on a dozen other customers without proper sanitation measures. Even better, if you have your own nail kit, bring that along so you’re entirely sure that everything used can be trusted.

Keep Your Nails Trimmed and Clean

If regular trips to the salon are not your deal, the bare minimum you can do is cut your own nails regularly and keep them clean. This prevents you from unwanted chipping or the undesirable hangnail. Clean nails are also less likely to get infections. When cutting your nails though, be careful not to cut them too short to avoid the possibility of an ingrown.

Wear Shoes That Are the Correct Size

This may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised by the amount of people who tolerate ill-fitting shoes on a daily basis. Aside from potentially causing blisters and cuts, wearing shoes that are not the right fit are just uncomfortable, in addition to not being able to give you the support you need.

Apart from size, make sure you have a healthy rotation of shoes to wear as well. Wearing the same pair for days in a row is not ideal. A good rule to follow is to keep your shoes clean, fitted, and varied.

Moisturize Daily and Layer on a Foot Mask Every so Often

The skin of your feet can dry up very easily. Stop this from happening by moisturizing your feet every night. Aloe vera gel or a nice creamy lotion are options you can consider. If you want to go above and beyond, why not try out a foot mask once a month. This involves donning on a pair of plastic socks filled with moisturizer and letting your feet soak up all the hydration over a short time frame. A mask will not only leave your feet smelling heavenly, but it is also a nice little luxury to cap off a tiring work day.

Your feet are among the most important parts of your body, so treat them with the care they deserve. They and the rest of your body will be thanking you for doing so.

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Originally Appeared Here