Smart Solutions for Your Feet This Summer

July 17, 2009 — -- Find out how you can keep your feet sandal ready this summer with tips from Real Simple magazine editor Elizabeth Graves.

Graves discusses the most common foot ailments women experience and offers smart tips on how to treat them effectively.

Get her tips below.

Bursitis is often known as pump bump because the heel bone can become irritated by wearing a shoe like a pump with a stiff back. It happens when people have a genetically enlarged heel bone, which is not as uncommon as that sounds. When the unforgiving shoe rubs against the bone, you can inflame the bursa, the protective sac of fluid in the tissue.

To avoid it wear an open heel shoe like a sling back. If you have a condition that already exists, use a donut pad like Dr. Scholl's Foam Ease Callus Cushions.

Place one over the bursa to alleviate pressure. At the end of the day, ice the area to soothe the inflammation. If you're experiencing chronic problem go to the doctor.

This is another form of bump, this one coming out of your big toe. It's your body's way of protecting itself, and you can also develop them if you have low arches.

If the bump is just emerging, try gel pads to pad it. Also choosing the right shoe is important. Pointy shoes won't cause bunions but can speed the development.

When the bone starts to be unaligned or if you're having trouble fitting into shoes, you need to see the doctor, who will shave down the bone, which can take you off your feet for several months. So be sure to choose the right shoes. Specifically, pick pairs with a wide toe box and a low heel.

Friction and moisture are the enemy of the feet. There's an old army trick, using antiperspirant on your feet.

Your feet have an abundance of sweat glands. To prevent the odor, the slick soles and the moisture that can lead to blisters, coat the bottoms of your feet with a potent antiperspirant, like Dove Clinical Protection, at night or in the morning. Also, you can use powder on your feet.