IF you treat them correctly, you’ll get 100,00 miles and maybe even more from them, yet these aren’t the latest brand of super tyre, rather the feet you stand on without a second thought.

We endure a love-hate relationship with our feet, from some who relish their regular pedicure, to those for whom even the thought has them in a cold sweat.

Whatever your view, we need to be familiar with our feet.

In the UK, over two million working days a year are lost to lower limb complaints, and a third of GP consultations regarding musculoskeletal issues pertain to the foot and ankle. Trips and falls are the single most common cause of accidental injury and death in the over 75s, with many of these due to foot related problems.

Our feet are marvellous organs so complicated that they contain 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons.

Podiatrists or chiropodists advise that we pay the same attention and care to our feet as we would any other part of our anatomy. Just 10 minutes a week may be enough to check for minor ailments.

Cracked heels and skin may become deep enough to cause pain and even bleed.

Bunions can be exacerbated by ill-fitting footwear.

Calluses may be a sign of poorly fitting footwear, or misaligned posture or gait.

The feet are our foundation stones. Foot and ankle problems can affect joints all the way up the body, even to the neck.

Permanently cold feet could be a sign of underlying circulatory issues.

Discoloured or disfigured toenails can be an indicator of fungal nail infection. Be particularly wary of any bruise or change under a toe nail, especially if you cannot remember a knock or trauma to it. In rare instances this may be skin cancer.

Lower limb swelling (oedema) can occur if you are stood for prolonged periods, but if it does not resolve when lying flat, it could be due to heart or kidney issues. Swelling in one leg could be a sign of infection or clot, (DVT), and should never be ignored.

Podiatry and footcare services are routinely available on the NHS to those with diabetes.

We are living in cash strapped times, but I would urge anyone who can afford it to consider investing in a regular routine review with a podiatrist, the same way you would prioritise an eye test.

Loving your feet really will take you a long way.