Y ou don't need daily spa treatments to take care of your feet. Spending just a few minutes a day on foot care and choosing the right shoes can keep you free of problems that may lead to pain or discomfort - and even disability. With 26 bones and a complex array of muscles and tendons, your feet take tonnes of impact just during an average day of walking. That daily pounding explains why feet are the body part most likely to get injured. Here's a rundown of the most common complaints and how to treat them. Athlete's foot The medical name for this fungal infection is tinea pedis. The symptoms are an itchy red rash that develops between the toes with the affected skin becoming scaly, flaky and dry. Hot, sweaty footgear provides a warm and humid environment - ideal conditions for the fungi that live on the skin to become infected. WHAT CAUSES IT? Athlete's foot spreads very easily. It can be passed from person to person through contaminated towels, clothing and surfaces; and since the fungi can survive and multiply in warm, humid places, you're particularly vulnerable to catching it in swimming pools, showers and changing rooms. WHAT CAN I DO? The condition can usually be treated using antifungal medication available over the counter from pharmacies. You need to see your GP only if the infection doesn't clear up. However, prevention is better than cure. So keep your feet dry and clear of potential infection by washing them regularly and always drying Not a foot WRONG You seldom appreciate how vital your feet are until something goes wrong with them. Find out how to take care of your tootsies and what to do to keep them healthy all year round 100 | MARCH 2015