Is heel pain preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities? Wearing the right type of shoes, socks and even losing some weight could help keep those heels healthy and strong; here's what you need to know.

If a nagging pain or tingling sensation in your heels is preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities, a closer look at your lifestyle may be in order. Heel pain is usually the result of excess pressure on the bottom of the heel, on the arch of your feet and unbalanced weight on the balls of your feet. Too much pressure in these areas can cause tissue damage and if you have 'flat feet' or wear high heels on a regular basis, you could be even more vulnerable to pain and discomfort in this area.

Whether you're an avid tennis player or just enjoy running regularly, you'll need a strategy to keep those heels in great shape. Here are some simple ways to prevent heel pain and keep those feet strong and healthy:

Wear thick socks

Wearing padded socks with your tennis shoes, sneakers or other supportive shoes can help reduce the impact of jumping, running and stress on the soles of your feet. Wearing a quality brand of thick socks also reduces moisture buildup on your feet, keeping the muscles in your feet taut and tight. Always make sure you're buying shoes that will accommodate for thick sport socks and you'll be well on your way to an anti-injury plan.

Learn some new stretches

If you're not stretching properly before your workout routine or your latest adventure, you run the risk of damaging key tissues, muscles and tendons in your feet and legs. Do a quick three to five minute warm up that targets the feet and lower legs, and make sure you stretch each area to the max.

Lose some weight

Obesity and being overweight put you at risk for feet damage and heel pain, especially if you're on your feet more often than not. If you're not at a healthy weight, begin a low-impact exercise program that won't put too much stress on your joints and feet. When you build up enough strength, move onto other aerobic exercises and fast-paced cardio routines.

Ultimately, wearing the right type of shoes for each activity ensures you won't be vulnerable to heel damage. Reduce your risk of inflammation with the right supportive shoes, and make sure you stretch and strengthen your legs on a regular basis to prevent injury and keep feet happy!

Whether your idea of summer fun involves lolling on the beach for hours on end, playing a game of sand volleyball or heading out on a cross country hike, keeping your feet well-protected for the season can ensure you enjoy a healthy and memorable one. Foot pain and injuries to the feet can make it hard to keep up with your summer agenda, but there are ways to exercise some 'foot rx' this season.

If you don't want to deal with the nuisance and pain of blisters, calluses or even a bad case of athlete's foot this year, keep those feet happy with these foot care basics:

1. Wear light socks.

It's easy to go barefoot during the summer season, but you do need to protect those soles and feet from infection and tissue damage when you're outside. Wear light acrylic fiber socks and dust them with baby powder to keep feet dry and you can still enjoy the feeling of walking on ground level.

2. Don't wear the same shoes everyday.

Giving your shoes a chance to air out over at least 48 hours will also prevent infection and keep your feet flexible and supple throughout the season. Wearing the same shoes day in and day out will put pressure on some parts of your feet and will make other parts much weaker. Wear the right fit and rotate your shoe closet regularly for maximum comfort and good feet hygiene.

3. Stretch!

If you're going to be sitting in a plane, car or train for long periods of time, make sure there's enough blood circulating to your feet and legs. Get up and walk around for a few minutes, do some ankle rotations to stretch out your lower calves and feet and flex your toes regularly. A short stretching routine throughout the day will work wonders.

4. Watch your diet.

Eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to yeast overgrowth, diabetes or hormonal imbalances that make you more vulnerable to infection and muscle pain.

5. Enjoy a foot bath at least once per week.

Reduce stress and tension in your feet and lower legs with a foot soak that helps improve circulation and soften up tight muscles. A foot bath made with Epsom salts or soothing essential oils is a great way to pamper your feet after a busy week of activities.

If you're a walking enthusiast - the type that's hitting the next trail on the weekends or heading out for a walk at sunrise each day - make sure your feet are ready for the challenge with these foot care tips.

Walking is a great way to stay in shape and keep you healthy, but it does put some pressure on your feet. If you're a walking enthusiast, the type that's hitting the next trail on the weekends or heading out for a walk at sunrise each day, make sure your feet are ready for the challenge! From soaking your feet in a foot bath to wearing the right footwear, here are some simple ways to keep feet happy on your daily or weekly treks:

1. Buy cushioned insoles.

No matter how comfortable those walking shoes may be, long-distance walks may require some extra support. Buy a pair of cushioned insoles made with gel-like materials that provide support for you instep and balls of your feet. Just make sure you purchase a pair that are thick but still give your feet plenty of room to breathe, and take them out of the shoes when not in use.

2. Skip the heels.

Walking long distances can put stress on your knees, ankles and calves. Adding pressure to the arch can make it difficult to maintain a healthy stride and puts excess pressure on the balls of your feet. Pick a pair of walking shoes that are flat; platform styles with a 1 to 2-inch heel can still support you as long as they're made with thicker soles.

3. Give your feet a bath!

A long walk or trek across challenging trails can put extra stress on your feet and ankles, so a soothing, relaxing foot bath can help melt the stress away and keep your feet in great shape. Try a foot soak or indulge in a spa foot bath that helps soothe tired and aching feet within minutes.

4. Moisturize before and after.

Keep feet healthy and flexible with a moisturizing foot cream or body butter. Moisturizing your feet regularly helps keep them supple and pliable, reducing the risk of injury during stressful activities.

5. Take care of blisters.

Blisters on your feet will only get worse without proper care and cleaning; make sure your feet are wrapped in bandages when needed so you can protect blisters from getting worse during your walk.

If you've renewed your commitment to that New Year's Resolution to get fit and lose weight - one that demands a daily trip to the gym and squeezing in a workout at every possible opportunity - making sure your feet are in the best shape possible is a step in the right direction. Whether you're a treadmill enthusiast after work or addicted to spinning classes at sunrise, the extra pressure and stress will take a toll on your feet and legs.

To get through those challenging workouts ahead, you'll need a plan to support those feet, making sure they're great shape for your kickboxing routine, elliptical machine adventures, or just your daily jog. Here are some tips on keeping feet happy and in great health during and after a workout:

Wear the right socks!

Nothing is more uncomfortable than slipping around in your shoes during that step aerobics class; wear the right thickness of socks so you have plenty of cushioning and support during that challenging workout.

Look for flexible soles.

Take the time to find the ultimate fit for your workouts shoes so you're not causing extra damage to your feet. Shoes with a flexible sole and extra cushioning can provide support for high-impact activities such as contact sports and long distance running.

Make sure the shoe fits!

Wearing the wrong size of shoes can cause excess damage to knees, put more pressure on the calves, and may even lead to bad posture in the long-run. Since you need to have near-perfect form during any workout, a stable foundation for the soles is an absolute must; make sure your shoe provides the support you need to maintain balance and move around with ease.

Sprinkle Powder in Your Socks

This can help absorb excess sweat and keep you more comfortable throughout an intensive workout. This is also a good idea after your workout shower.

Head to the Spa for a Foot Massage

If you're a busy athlete, a foot and leg massage can help improve circulation and reduce stress and tension. Your feet are sure to thank you, especially if you're just starting a new training routine.

Keep Your Cool

A cold shower or foot soak can help boost circulation between workouts, and it's also a great way to treat your feet to a pick-me-up if your mood needs a boost. A hot foot soak is your best bet for relaxation, and adding a few essential oils or Epsom salts can give your feet an extra-relaxing treat.

Moisturize to the Max.

Applying a quality moisturizer to feet and ankles after a shower, or even before bed will keep your soles as healthy as possible. Try some self-massage or reflexology techniques to pamper those toes and keep feet flexible.

Maintain Good Form

Every type of exercise requires good form and posture, and you'll be preventing injury to your feet and legs as a result. Maintain good form by stretching and flexing properly so you can stay in great shape throughout your workout season ahead.

Keeping your feet happy for workout season means you can look forward to your fitness routine without stress, pain or health problems. Just keep these eight tips in mind as you set out on your fitness venture, and you'll be on the fast track to getting in shape!

While most women will go to great lengths to support their high-heel wearing habit, few realize the unhealthy impact on their legs and pampered toes. Enjoy life in the high-heeled society with these six tips.

High heels may be a closet staple for many, but any health guru will tell you to steer clear of the stilettos and wedges to prevent damage to leg muscles, save your knees, and reduce the chance of blisters on the feet later in life. Is it really time to give up the 4" pencil-thin heels in favor of good health?

Most shoe addicts will beg to differ, but thankfully, there are ways to protect those legs and feet without compromising on style. Consider these tips and strategies to enjoy life in the high-heeled society, without falling into an unhealthy habit:

1. Change that strut- Walking 'normally' in high heels is an easy way to cause damage to the feet and lower legs. Your steps need to be much shorter than usual, so it's best to skip your model-like strides and stick with the reality runway; plan on taking slower, smaller steps and avoid shifting your weight during the walk. Good posture also helps; keep that spine in alignment to help you balance your weight with ease.

2. Massage away pain- A day in heels may be a day well-lived, but it's still going to take its toll on your ankles, calves and knees. Enjoy some well-deserved TLC with a quick foot soak, or invest in a foot massage treatment at the local spa to manage aches, pain, and inflammation of the joints with ease.

3. Wear the right size- Many women go by the mantra of 'the tighter, the better when it comes to heels and shoes, but this can cause dozens of foot problems - not to mention the outcropping of unsightly blisters. Make sure your feet are comfortably stationed inside the shoe when you walk and sit down, and buy a size larger than usual if you need to.

4. Look for an adjustable strap- Adjustable ankle straps can give you some extra support, and help you balance better in those too-tall heels. Adjust the buckle to fit snugly around your ankles so that your feet are planted firmly and securely in your shoes for maximum comfort.

5. Give those calves a workout- Building up muscles and strength in the calves and thighs can help you balance better on even the skinniest heels. Make sure to stretch and strengthen calves on a regular basis so you can keep up with the demands of your next pair of heels.

6. Don't be a heel digger!- Avoid balancing your weight entirely on the heel while standing, and shift your weight to the ball of your foot instead. Digging your heels may be a good assertiveness strategy, but will damage your shoes - and your ankles.

Walking tall is every woman's right, but knowing how to pull it off without damaging the legs and feet is a top priority! Exercise your right to wear those high heels with these six strategies, and you'll be able to step out in style, without the pain.