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SAVE YOUR FEET-THEY HAVE TO SERVE YOU FOR A LIFETIME.

A survey published in the British newspaper the Daily Telegraph says that one out of five women in Britain wears uncomfortable and ill-fitting high heels just to appear attractive to boyfriends, husbands and bosses.

According to the survey conducted by Oxfordshire Community health NHS Trust, UK, these women prefer to put up with pain and risk serious long-term problems rather than wear less attractive shoes.

More than 80 percent of the women surveyed said they would not change their preferred shoe styles to improve a foot problem.

The survey brought out another startling fact that younger the women the least sensible shoes they wear. Older women whose feet had been damaged or were in the process of being damaged were a little more sensible. The survey estimates that three out of four women would have foot problems by the time they reached their late fifties.

American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) says that wearing high heeled shoes that exceed two inches for extended periods of time - is an open invitation for foot problems. To quote from a APMA report it's a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits. What is your position? Give a look to your feet. Remember they have to bear your weight from the day you stand on your feet till the time you call it a day.

Mobility is the essence of human life and if your feet don't support you, you become static and vegetative. Diseased and painful feet make it impossible for you to participate in social activities.

APMA lists more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but a majority of these owe their genesis to the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse.

Normal wear and tear of years also causes changes in feet. As persons age, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Changing body weight and aging also affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain constant.

A majority of people believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt, and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that can be treated by very simple treatment, sometimes as simple as changing the footwear.

Preventive foot care has many benefits. It increases comfort and limits the possibility of additional medical problems.

Foot Health Tips

• Properly fitting shoes are essential; shoes that don't fit right can cause serious foot problems. Replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
• A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities.
• Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day.
• Walking is the best exercise for your feet.
• Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocketknife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only under medical advise.
• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately.
• Trim or file your toenails straight across.
• Inspect your feet every day, if you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, don't ignore them and seek medical advise.
• Wear heeled shoes that exceed two inches for extended periods of time - this is an open invitation for foot problems.
• Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
• Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
• Persons with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
• Alternate shoes-don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
• Avoid walking barefooted-your feet will be more prone to injury and infection.
• Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments; self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.