Caring for your feet

• Beat athlete’s foot

To put athlete’s foot on the run, make a footbath with 1 tablespoon salt dissolved in 6 litres warm water. Soak the affected foot for 10 minutes to help to kill the fungus. To make the solution even more intensely antifungal, add 1-2 tablespoons tea-tree oil.

• Fight toenail fungus

If you think you can’t control a fungus without prescription drugs, think again — in the short term, at least. Mix equal parts warm water, vinegar (white or cider) and mouthwash with 1 tablespoon powdered cinnamon. Soak and dry your feet, then sprinkle them with cornflour. There’s no guarantee that the fungus won’t return, but you can keep it in check without having to buy expensive medicated treatments.

• Beat stinky feet with tea

Strong black tea will not only kill the bacteria that cause foot odour but will close pores and help to keep your feet less sweaty. Simmer 3 tea bags in 1 cup (250ml) water for about 15 minutes, and then dilute the tea with 2 litres water. Once it has cooled, pour the tea into a plastic tub and soak your feet and ankles for around 30 minutes. This should put an end to your smelly feet.

• A salty cure for sore feet

While Epsom salts have long been used to soothe dry sore feet, ordinary table salt will do. Pour 8 litres warm water into a plastic tub, add 2/3 cup (120g) table salt and stir with your hand to dissolve. Soak your feet in the solution for at least 20 minutes, and then rub the skin vigorously with a towel to slough off any dead skin cells.

• A trick for tired feet

If your feet are tired and aching, scatter a few pencils onto the floor and then pick them up … with your toes. This little work-out will rejuvenate and invigorate your feet as much as a quick foot massage.

• Cool hot feet with peppermint

Cool down hot feet by soaking them in iced peppermint tea for 10 minutes. Once they are pepped up, they should be ready to take you on a 5-km jog or an hour-long power walk.