They are so complex podiatrists have 300 different foot conditions to learn about. The good news is, many of the problems are completely avoidable. And considering you only get one set of feet, there's no doubt they're worth your care and attention. And even better, there are lots of things you can do to improve your foot comfort and to keep you on your feet for life.

Happy feet

If you enjoy a foot massage, you'll know how wonderful it is to have those tingling sensations ripple up your spine as your whole body feels magically soothed. A pedicure includes a foot massage, but this treatment is much more than just a pampering; it's also an opportunity to notice any reasons for concern. Keep an eye out for signs of brittle nails, burning or tingling sensations, feelings of cold or numbness and skin cancers. If any of these symptoms occur, see your doctor or a podiatrist as soon as possible. They will check your feet for any problems, painlessly remove calluses and corns, as well as tidy up your toenails. They can also help you take corrective action, if need be. In the meantime, for general maintenance, give yourself a monthly pedicure or book a regular appointment at a beauty salon.

Soleful living

As your feet grow older they can develop problems, but most are preventable by having regular pedicures and visits to a podiatrist. For example, over time, your feet will tend to spread and lose the fatty pad that cushions the bottom. This means the older you are, the more important it is to wear shoes that hold your feet firmly and give adequate support. Those sloppy old favourites may feel comfy and cosy, but they're bad for your feet, so throw them out. What better reason could you have for buying new shoes

Foot health tips

* Wear shoes with stable heels and flexibility across the toes.

• Choose shoes with a firm sole and a soft upper for daily wear.
  Only go barefoot when you're in a safe environment.
  Don't try to remove corns or calluses yourself; have a podiatrist do it for you. It's painless and these problems will stay away longer.
  Trim or file your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
  Have your feet examined by a podiatrist once a year, and every six months if you're a diabetic or have any existing problems.
  Moisturise your feet daily to prevent cracked heels.
  Only wear shoes that make your feet work hard to keep them on, such as thongs, for short periods.

Ever tried reflexology?

This is a deeply relaxing, yet surprisingly effective, non-invasive therapy for your feet, hands and ears. It works on many levels to soothe, calm and balance your entire body. To find out how reflexology can be of benefit to you, visit www.reflexology.com.au or call the Australian Reflexology Association on 1300 733 711

5-step pedicure

1. Add a few drops of an essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender, to a large basin of warm soapy water and soak your feet for five minutes. Dry your feet.

2. Cut your toenails straight across and file smooth. Use the end of an orange stick wrapped with cotton wool to push back cuticles and clean under your nails.

3. Soak your feet again and use a foot file to remove the softened rough skin. Alternate your feet between soaking and filing until both feet are smooth.

4. Remove your feet from the water and massage with a body scrub to smooth the surface skin. Rinse off the scrub and dry your feet with a towel.

5. Apply a generous amount of foot cream and massage it thoroughly into your feet. Allow a few minutes for your skin to absorb all of the cream, or put on cotton socks to prevent your feet from slipping when you stand up.

Shoe Medicine

Most women love to wear high heels occasionally, but if you know how to identify the most supportive types, you can wear heels without paying the price for fashion. As for those less sensible designs, save them for when you won't be on your feet for long.

1. Ease the burden Your feet always bear your weight, but when you're in heels the pressure on the balls of your feet increases tremendously. Don't cram your feet into narrow shoes, and make sure the shoes are totally comfortable before you buy them. If they're not, keep shopping around.

2. Go for stability Look for styles with heels that centre under your heels so your weight is well distributed. And remember, the thinner the heels the more wobbly you'll be.

3. Cushion your feet Your feet don't have much fat, so extra padding is good. Use shoe inserts, especially under the balls of your feet, if you're wearing heels. With flat shoes,
look for thicker bottoms that will act as shock absorbers.

4. Change your shoes Never wear the same shoes two days in a row. You'll avoid putting repeat pressure on identical areas and causing irritation and possible misalignment problems. Also, by varying your heel heights, the tendons at the back of your heels have a chance to relax.

5. Be well supported Flat shoes need a heel of about 1.5-2.5cm to prevent the calves from becoming overstretched and weak. It's especially important if you have flat feet that have a tendency to roll inwards. If you're concerned, ask a podiatrist for advice; you may need to wear orthotics in your shoes.