All too many of us spend far too much time on our feet, is it no wonder that foot pain is such a common problem in society.
On average, someone typically walks 71,000 miles (approx 117,000 km) during their lifetime.
That's an awful lot of pressure to put on those bones, ligaments and muscles that are charged with the responsibility of getting you from A to B.
Despite the huge burden placed on our feet too many of us are happy to completely neglect them.
No care, no pampering, not even a decent supporting shoe.
Is that any way to treat such an important ally? More often than not foot pain is triggered by ill-fitting shoes, shoes that are too high and shoes that are too tight.
And I'm afraid to say that in most instances women fall victim to this.
Come on girls admit it - how often have you gone out in the town in a pair of high heels that you can barely walk in?? Just wearing the wrong shoe and ignoring the value of a good foot support can be the catalyst for all sorts of problems.
Tight shoes will restrict circulation in your feet, causing problems such as blisters, corns and chilblains.
Wearing high heels all the time will put extra pressure on the front of your feet leading to painful balls of feet and too problems.
And having insufficient insole support can lead to impact problems such as heel spurs, stress fractures and shin splints.
Of course there are foot problems which aren't necessarily a footwear issue.
Painful and burning sensations in your feet can actually be a sign of diabetes or thyroid disease so if you are unsure check with your GP.
So what can you do to cure and prevent foot problems? Well the first port of call is to look at your footwear and the insoles that you have inside them.
Try to wear comfy shoes as often as possible.
They should have plenty of room for your feet and a decent insole with plenty of cushion and support.
Think of the insole as shock absorbers for your feet - the more impact they can absorb the less your feet and joints have to take.
After that it's just a case of literally giving your feet a treat.
If you're already suffering from foot pain then try using ice packs and anti-inflammatories.
Many foot injuries such as heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are a result of inflammation so you need to do all you can to reduce any swelling.
Depending on the injury there will probably be some exercises you can do too.
For instance with plantar fasciitis you can do what you might know as a calf stretch to stretch your heel out.
A GP or a physio could help you with this.
Finally try a little bit of pampering.
If any part of your body deserves a massage and some relaxing oils and lotions then it is your feet.
On average, someone typically walks 71,000 miles (approx 117,000 km) during their lifetime.
That's an awful lot of pressure to put on those bones, ligaments and muscles that are charged with the responsibility of getting you from A to B.
Despite the huge burden placed on our feet too many of us are happy to completely neglect them.
No care, no pampering, not even a decent supporting shoe.
Is that any way to treat such an important ally? More often than not foot pain is triggered by ill-fitting shoes, shoes that are too high and shoes that are too tight.
And I'm afraid to say that in most instances women fall victim to this.
Come on girls admit it - how often have you gone out in the town in a pair of high heels that you can barely walk in?? Just wearing the wrong shoe and ignoring the value of a good foot support can be the catalyst for all sorts of problems.
Tight shoes will restrict circulation in your feet, causing problems such as blisters, corns and chilblains.
Wearing high heels all the time will put extra pressure on the front of your feet leading to painful balls of feet and too problems.
And having insufficient insole support can lead to impact problems such as heel spurs, stress fractures and shin splints.
Of course there are foot problems which aren't necessarily a footwear issue.
Painful and burning sensations in your feet can actually be a sign of diabetes or thyroid disease so if you are unsure check with your GP.
So what can you do to cure and prevent foot problems? Well the first port of call is to look at your footwear and the insoles that you have inside them.
Try to wear comfy shoes as often as possible.
They should have plenty of room for your feet and a decent insole with plenty of cushion and support.
Think of the insole as shock absorbers for your feet - the more impact they can absorb the less your feet and joints have to take.
After that it's just a case of literally giving your feet a treat.
If you're already suffering from foot pain then try using ice packs and anti-inflammatories.
Many foot injuries such as heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are a result of inflammation so you need to do all you can to reduce any swelling.
Depending on the injury there will probably be some exercises you can do too.
For instance with plantar fasciitis you can do what you might know as a calf stretch to stretch your heel out.
A GP or a physio could help you with this.
Finally try a little bit of pampering.
If any part of your body deserves a massage and some relaxing oils and lotions then it is your feet.
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