Foot exercises are a great way to keep one of your often neglected and most worked areas of your body in top condition. Foot injuries are a common occurrence in many people due to many factors, such as improper shoes, standing for long periods or even just from walking or jogging.
Injuries to your feet can be extremely painful and can prevent you from completely normal daily tasks and keep you from work. It is important to make sure you keep your feet healthy and in top condition. Here are some foot exercises you can do to keep your feet healthy. It is important to note that if you feel pain during any of these exercises, don’t continue with them and be sure to talk to your doctor to prevent any further injuries.
1. Roll a Golf or Tennis Ball
Rolling a ball under the ball of your foot can help alleviate arch pains, cramps or heel pains. To do this exercise, you will want to sit up straight in a chair and roll the ball under your foot for 2 minutes.
2. Wall Stretch
Line yourself squarely in front of a wall. Stretch out your arms to lean against the wall and move one foot forward. Straighten the knee on the back leg until you feel your calf muscle stretch. Be sure to keep your feet flat on the ground! Hold that position for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds. Then switch your legs.
3. Fanning your Toes
By lifting and lowering your toes, you can strengthen the muscles in the toes and lower leg. Make sure that when you lift your toes, your pinkie toe is at the same level as your big toe. When you lift your toes, spread them as wide as possible. Repeat this exercise 4 times. By doing this exercises daily, it will strengthen the muscles in your front lower leg and your toes.
4. Calf Raise
Stand near a counter or doorway to hold on to for balance. Balance yourself on one foot and use your toes to lift yourself up. Hold yourself up with your toes for 10 seconds and then lower yourself down. Repeat this exercise 10 times on each foot. This exercise will strengthen the feet and calves.
5. Stretch While Sitting Down
While sitting, cross your left leg so that your ankle is resting on your right thigh. Hold your toes and bend them back, which will stretch the band of tissue connecting the heel of your foot to the ball. Do this 3 times on each foot. This exercise will loosen up your feet and will help prevent injuries.
There are many foot exercises you can do to keep yourself injury free. Maintaining strong and healthy feet is important due to the amount of work and strain your feet are under from day to day activities. Doing these 5 exercises daily will keep your feet in shape and will only take a few minutes to do!
