Do not ever underestimate the importance of your feet. They hold all your weight when you walk, exercise and do various other activities. If your feet are overworked, they can start hurting and affect other parts of your body, including your back. Luckily, just changing some of your lifestyle choices can have a positive effect on your feet. Here are eight effective ways to keep your feet healthy and pain free:

Cut Your Toenails Properly

The way you cut your toenails matters greatly. If you, for example, round the corners of the nails too much or cut near the skin, you could develop ingrown toenails. If you just carefully cut your toenails straight across, you can avoid this problem.

Wear Shoes That Fit You

It might sound obvious, but it is very important to purchase shoes that fit your feet properly. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, shoes that do not fit right can lead to bunions, stress fractures, calluses and other problems. The first thing you should do is get your feet measured by a professional because the size could have changed. Once you have done that, you can search for the right pair of shoes. When you are at the store, look for a pair of shoes that include a firm sole and cushioned heel. It is also important for the shoes to have some arch support.

Make Sure Your Feet Are Completely Dry

After you get done taking a shower or bath, make sure to dry your feet completely, including the areas between your toes. If your feet have any moisture left on them, bacteria can thrive on them and lead to nasty infections.

Do not Apply Nail Polish to Unattractive Toenails

If your toenails are cracked or discolored, you may be tempted to cover them up with nail polish so that no one notices. However, painting possibly infected toenails could exacerbate the issue. It is better to see a foot doctor as soon as you can.

Look for Issues With Your Feet

It is very important to check your feet for problems regularly, especially if you are a diabetic. After you get done bathing, inspect your feet closely for issues, like discolored toenails and scaling on the soles. If you discover an issue with your feet, it is time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Do not Share Your Shoes With Your Friends

Swapping shoes with your friends on occasion might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually lead to infections. If the person you swap shoes with has a fungal infection, you will likely experience the same issue.

Say No to High Heels

High heels may be fashionable and make your legs look longer, but they will not do your feet any favors. If you wear high heels all the time, the front of your feet will have to carry all your weight, causing pain. If you do not want to give up heels entirely, wear ones with just a one or two-inch heel.

Lose Weight

Being overweight can negatively affect many parts of your body, including your feet. If you are carrying extra weight, it can put extra pressure on your feet and cause pain. If you get down to a healthy weight by cutting junk food out of your diet and exercising most days of the week, your feet will thank you.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can keep your feet in great shape. However, if you still encounter a problem with your feet, such as a bunion or athlete's foot, you should see a podiatrist, such as Laurel Podiatry Associates, LLC.