How Much Do You Know About Foot Health?

Dry, scaling skin or inflammation of the skin may indicate athlete's foot. Blisters, corns and calluses are caused by friction, usually by shoes that do not fit properly or by wearing shoes without socks. Warts are caused by a virus that infects the skin. People with diabetes run a higher risk for foot infections because of delayed healing, so they need to inspect their feet every day for non-healing sores or wounds.

You should trim your toenails straight across. If you trim them in a curve, the edges of the nail will grow into the skin, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Make sure you don't trim your toenails too short, because this also can result in an ingrown nail. Cut them so that you can see a bit of skin just above the nail edge. Don't let them grow so long that they extend past your toes.

If you have circulation problems or diabetes, however, check with your health care provider before using these remedies. Many of them contain salicylic acid, which may be harmful to someone with poor circulation.

Pedicurists aren't properly trained to treat ingrown nails or to cut calluses or corns from feet.

You should alternate shoes to let them dry out before wearing them again. Doing so can help eliminate foot odor. Make sure you change socks daily, as well.

High heels force all the body weight onto the toes and disrupt the natural stride.

This is why women tend to develop bunions more than men, although men who wear tight shoes also are at risk. A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions tend to run in families, when a foot type that makes bunions more likely is passed down from parent to child. People who have flat feet or low arches also are more at risk for bunions, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. People, such as ballet dancers, whose jobs or professions place stress on their feet are at higher risk, as well.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, lace-up shoes fit more snuggly and give more stability to the heel. You can also adjust the fit of the shoe better with laces.