A lot of us take the health of our feet for granted until something goes wrong, and we feel uncomfortable symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time a foot condition or injury is detected, it can require extensive treatment and an adjustment to your lifestyle.
As with other parts of your body, it’s important to avoid foot injuries and conditions through preventive care instead of waiting to treat them after they develop.
One thing you can do to keep your feet healthy and in excellent condition is foot exercises. Below are some foot exercises you can do from the comfort of your home or office.
Towel Curls
This exercise trains your intrinsic foot muscles. With a towel laid out on the floor, place both feet on the towel. Curl all your toes on one foot in an effort to scrunch part of the towel towards your body. Then, switch to the right foot. Repeat this exercise 5 to 10 times.
Heel Raises
Doing this will help stabilize your ankle joints, reducing the risk for injuries such as ankle sprains, and improve balance and coordination. Heel raises or heel lifts are performed by lifting your heels as high as you can and holding that position for 3 seconds and then letting both heels drop and resting for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
Inward and Outward
This exercise helps with balance. While standing, position both feet inward, so that they are pointing toward each other. Then, shift the position of your feet so that both feet face outward, pointing in opposite directions. While doing this exercise, make sure to keep your body upright. Someone with poor balance and coordination may find this challenging at first. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
Toe Spread
Sit on a chair and rest your heels on the floor. Flex your toes by spreading them as far apart as possible. Hold that position for 5 seconds. Then, try to squeeze them together as if you are scrunching your toes inward. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then relax the toes. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
Don’t Forget to Rest
Like any part of your body, your feet need relaxation and rest sometimes. Make sure to rest and stay off your feet on a regularly basis, particularly if your occupation or hobbies require you to do strenuous exercise or activities. Resting can help normal wear and tear injuries heal before they get worse.
As always, it’s best to consult with a podiatrist before beginning any exercises. A podiatrist is a foot expert who can identify if you have any foot or ankle condition or injury and whether specific exercises are better for you than others.
Foot and Ankle Treatment in South Texas
At The Podiatry Group of South Texas, we are all about feet. Our specialty includes the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of foot injuries and conditions. Our goal is to provide patients with preventive care first, which means preventing issues from developing in the first place. From minor foot injuries to arthritis and diabetic foot conditions, we can provide the expert care and treatment you need to make a speedy and effective recovery.
To schedule a consultation with our podiatrists, call The Podiatry Group of South Texas nearest you. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you soon!
