It’s the end of the summer and you’ve likely spent the last few months seeing more of your ankles and feet than you usually do. And maybe you’ve noticed some swelling or some new protrusions or toes misshapen, or you’re even having cramps as you try to cram your toes back into less-than-roomy shoes. Whatever you’ve discovered, one thing is clear: too many of us pay too little attention to our feet, unless there’s a serious problem. Yet surveys show that 75% of adults report issues with their feet. Like other areas of the body that benefit from regular check-ups, you shouldn’t let your feet suffer from neglect. So untie those sneakers, and take a look at the Harvard Women’s Health Watch advice about keeping feet healthy.

And what about the problems that you’ve discovered? Do they require a visit to a doctor or podiatrist? It depends on the problem and even then, many foot ailments are the result of too much standing or poorly-fitting shoes, or even a poor diet, and may be remedied with appropriate adjustments you can do on your own. So, for example, swollen feet and ankles may be the result of gravity or weight gain, but could also reflect a more serious complication involving a deep tissue blood clot. To better understand the causes of swelling and whether you should be concerned, read here. As for your toes: Are they red or discolored? Have they been injured or infected? Find out a range of reasons regarding what’s happening with your toes, and what can be done, by reading here. Finally, do your toes cramp when putting on a shoe or getting into bed? There are a tremendous number of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons all interacting within the limited space of your foot, and there can be any number of reasons why muscles contract or tighten up painfully, from dehydration to diabetes. To find out whether relief can be found without the involvement of a professional, take off your socks and click here.