Feet are often the most under appreciated part of the human body. While they offer us a strong, steady base to stand on, move us from point A to B and act as shock absorbers for the rest of our body, they spend most of their time in the dark under wraps.

The average person can walk between 2 and 3 times around the earth in their lifetime. That means a lot of wear and tear on the 26 bones, 33 joints and 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments of just one foot. By taking care of your tootsies, you can minimize the risk of foot injury, pain and ailments that come with age and overuse. Below are a few ways to keep your feet healthy and happy.

o Wear proper sizes shoes. Make sure to purchase shoes that offer your toes enough wiggle room, provide proper arch and heel support and remember that you could be a different size in a different brand.
o Exercise! Excess weight can put a great deal of stress on the feet. Exercise can keep your weight under control, while also stretching and strengthening the muscles of your feet.
o Maintain good hygiene. Keeping feet washed, dry, clean and free from fungus can go a long way in keeping them healthy.
o Don’t ignore the pain. If you have pain in your feet, consult your physician or Empire Health and Wellness. Avoiding the problem can often make it worse.

Unhealthy feet can lead to an unhealthy body, so keep these tips in mind and take care of these underappreciated extremities.