Your Complete Guide To...Healthy Feet

We walk, on average, around 1.5 miles a day, but how much thought and care do you give to your trusty toes?

- Faye M. Smith

They support us like no other body part, but we don’t usually pay our feet much attention – until they start giving us problems. ‘Feet are absolutely crucial to the wellbeing of the entire body,’ says foot therapist Yamuna Zake. ‘Because your feet are your foundation, they’re connected to every problem you may have elsewhere in your body. No matter where an injury is, you stand on it.’

Even if you’re injury-free, keeping your feet functioning well is key. ‘The more function your feet have the more strongly they support you,’ says Yamuna. ‘Your whole body feels lighter and freer. You stand straight. Your posture improves.’

So, with sandal season just around the corner, it’s time to get your feet back in shape. Here’s everything you need to know about solving your foot issues...

Corns

Blighted by corns? ‘Corns are usually caused by pressure from tight shoes, which leads to small, cone-shaped areas of thickened skin,’ says Michael Harrison-Blount, academic lead in podiatry at the University of Buckingham. ‘Switching to better-fitting shoes can help. And consider having your feet measured professionally, as they can expand by up to two sizes between our 20s and 60s.’ Still struggling? ‘A topical treatment can help break down hard skin,’ says Michael.

• Try Eucerin AtoControl Acute Care Cream (£14, Boots).

Cracked heels