First, cute shoes are not necessarily good shoes. Make sure they fit, and for long walks avoid flip-flops or sandals with anything between your toes. This can rub and cause blisters and calluses. You want comfortable shoes or sandals that don't rub or feel too snug. If you are diabetic you really want to avoid sandals because it's a lot easier to injure your feet, which will easily become infected.

Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF on your feet. Protect them from the sun---they can burn too!

Trim your toenails straight across every 3-4 weeks. They will trim easier after a shower or bath. Use a good cream on your feet too. I've been using a mint cream that's been helping. Eucerin makes a thick cream that works well at night when they are extremely dry. Wear a pair of clean cotton socks afterwards to really do the job. Don't put the cream between your toes. This can cause a moisture build up and fungus can develop in those areas.

Don't EVER use anything sharp to scrape rough feet. This is an infection waiting to happen! Use foot soaks, lotions and scrubs, but nothing sharp or metal. Pumice stones can help to prevent calluses from building up are safe to use. Also, don't wear nail polish on your toenails day in and day out. Put it on for special occasions, but remove aftwards. Your toenails need to breathe too!

Take special precautions in locker rooms, beach houses, camp or gym shower areas. Wear shoes or sandals at all times. Take a pair of cheap flip-flops to wear in the shower. This is where you will pick up fungus and bacteria. Wash feet daily and examine for signs of injury or infection. Use an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial spray afterwards.

If your feet are stiff in the morning (like mine are!) try putting on a hot water bottle or warm compress on the bottom of your feet while you are eating your bowl of cereal. This stimulates the blood flow and may help, plus you'll have nice warm feet.

Have at least two pairs of shoes that you can wear daily, and switch each day. They need time to air out and get rid of the moisture from being worn. Spray with a disinfectant such as Lysol too. A frugal and natural thing you can do for your feet is sprinkle baking soda in your shoes and on your feet. Your feet and toes need to breathe! Again, avoid tight shoes and socks.

In the evenings, prop your feet up while watching television or reading. Give your feet a break! Try this recipe made with essential oils for a special treat:

Before Bed Herbal Foot Soak

Ingredients:

5 drops each juniper berry, grapefruit and bitter orange essential oils

1/2 cup sea salt

1/2 cup dead sea mineral salts

hot water

Stir the salts and oils into a tub or basin of hot water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Dry feet and apply lotion. NOTES: You can also skip the salts if you don't have them and add 5 drops of juniper, 3 rosemary and 2 drops lavender essential oil to give your feet a treat!

Lastly, one more caution for diabetics. Call your doctor at the first sign of redness, soreness or anything that could possibly be an infection. Things can progress VERY quickly and you don't want to take a chance. Be gentle with your feet and take care of them!

About the Author

Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer, editor, herb gardener and mother to three children. For more herb recipes and tips visit The Garden Path

Resources

Essential Oils and Herbs

The Body Shop

Khepra Foot Balm