“Why are feet so important,” you ask? That’s easy!

First off, they are amazingly complicated structures, with each foot containing 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than a hundred tendons, muscles, and ligaments. No two, not even the two connected to you, are exactly alike! Your feet are your initial contact to the ground, propelling you forward by absorbing shock and carrying the weight of your body. Your feet take you everywhere you go, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! So this Valentine’s Day, give your feet some lovin’! Here are a few simple ways to show your feet you care:

Give yourself a pedicure at home.

Pedicures do not have to be elaborate or expensive. In fact, you can give yourself a pedicure at home. This involves soaking your feet in soothing, warm water (see #2) and then performing a nail and moisturizing treatment. When treating your nails, do not cut your cuticles or nail corners back too far. This could lead to infection and ingrown toenails. If you have difficulty reaching your nails, play it safe and file them with a non-metal, non-electric emery board. After a good trimming or filing, polish your nails with nail polish that is free of toluene, parabens, and formaldehydes. Consider purchasing a Dr. Remedy Enriched Nail Polish from one of our offices! The nail polish is made up of vitamins, proteins, and natural ingredients like wheat protein, garlic, and tea tree oil (and, more importantly *wink,* the polish comes in over 30 gorgeous colors, like “Playful Pink”). Finish the experience with a moisturizing cream to keep your tootsies hydrated.

Soak your feet in Epsom salts.

Despite what Mom and Grandmom may have told you, Epsom salt soaks do not cure every foot ailment. They do, however, help soothe aching feet. The salt, when dissolved in warm water, soaks through your skin and works to release serotonin, the chemical that makes you happy! Epsom salt soaks also work to relieve muscle cramps, tension, and inflammation. Elevate the experience by using Epsom salt infused with essential oils. I highly recommend Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt (Soothe & Sleep with Lavender is my favorite), sold at Target and most pharmacies.

Avoid bare feet.

Yes, it feels great to kick off your shoes at the end of a long work day, but going barefoot is not ideal and can even aggravate your current foot problems. It is essential to keep your feet well supported, even in your home, to help alleviate forefoot, arch, and heel pain. Spoil yourself and buy a pair of comfy, supportive slippers, like Vionic Gemma Plush Slippers. You’ll thank yourself when Valentine’s Day is over and you’re back doing housework, laundry, and dishes!

Whether your feet are perfect and pain-free or less than perfect, be grateful for them. After all, they are your only ones! Show them some TLC this Valentine’s Day!

“But I love your feet only because they walked upon the earth and upon the wind and upon the waters, until they found me.” —Pablo Neruda