9 Things You Should Never, Ever Do To Your Feet Again

Most of us probably don't give a second thought to our feet — that is, of course, if we've never had a serious problem with them.

If you're one of those who have had major issues with their feet before, then you know they can actually impact your day in huge ways.

Think about it: Feet are what make it possible to get up and walk into the kitchen to get a glass of juice. They are what make it possible to go on a run in the morning to help clear your mind before a long day.

Everyone should learn to appreciate their feet a little bit more and to pay attention to how we take care of them — and what they could be telling us about our bodies.

To keep them safe and healthy, no one should do any of these nine things to their feet. Which are you guilty of? Did we leave anything off our list? Let us know in the comments.

And please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook before it's too late for their poor feet!

1. Walk Around Barefoot All The Time

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Flickr / Tony Alter

Yes, the feeling of the grass under your feet and the sand between your toes is great, but you should really try to wear shoes as often as possible. Even in your home, you risk stepping on something sharp and harming your foot. Better safe than sorry!

2. Wear Extremely Tight Socks Or Stockings

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Flickr / molybdena

This can lead to cutting off blood circulation to your feet, and that is a big no-no. In addition to not wearing tight socks, you have to make sure that you are wiggling your toes and rotating your ankles a whole lot if you sit around all day.

Also, try not to keep your legs crossed for too long. This will lead to your foot falling asleep, making it impossible to walk for a short amount of time. Additionally, decreased blood flow over long periods can lead to more serious issues such as gangrene.

3. Use Just Any At-Home Tool

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Flickr / moo.review

We've all seen the tools and products that promise to remove corns, calluses, and other unsightly things from our feet, but you should never use them without permission from your doctor. Improper use can lead to torn skin or infection, and, in extreme cases, ulcers.

4. Suffocate Them

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Flickr / Twentyfour Students

Wearing shoes made of synthetic materials can lead to excessive foot sweating. If you don't allow your little piggies to breathe, you're risking fungus growth.

5. Cut Into Corns

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Flickr / Anke Müller

No matter what, do not try to cut off the corns on your feet. This can lead to serious infections, and in severe cases, it can send you to the emergency room for surgery.

6. Leave Swollen Feet Alone

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Flickr / Miran Rijavec

If your feet are aching and sore, don't ignore them, because they aren't going to get better on their own. Elevate them, soak them in some Epsom salt, and talk to your doctor about the pains that you're having!

7. Wear Flip-Flops Every Single Day

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Flickr / hannah sheffield

Though they can be useful at the beach or after a pedicure, there are tons of reasons to never wear flip-flops (besides the fact that they make that inexcusable noise with every step).

They slow you down, they make you clumsy, they expose your feet to bacteria, and they mess up your toes and your posture. Your toes have to do some extra legwork (pun intended) to keep the shoes on your feet, and that can result in hammertoes. With your feet working extra hard, your posture will suffer, too. Don't wear them out and about; save them only for leisurely activities that don't require much walking.

8. Ignore The Warning Signs

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Wikimedia Commons

Your feet can be early indicators of some major problems. For example, foot cramps can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, yellowing nails can indicate lymphedema (a disorder that causes fluid retention), and unusually cold feet can be a sign of hypothyroidism. If you think something is off, go see your doctor!

9. Get Rid Of Too Many Calluses

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YouTube / Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio

Have you ever noticed that after a trip to the salon for a pedicure, a pair of shoes that used to be so comfortable starts causing blisters again? That's because the calluses that your body built up to protect you have been scraped away in favor of smoother feet. There is a balance between healthy upkeep and overdoing it — try not to cross the line or get your calluses scraped off too often.

Are you guilty of any of these foot crimes? Did we forget anything? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!