Foot pain can be uncomfortable and make completing every day tasks harder. It can also impact how you walk and limit your mobility. To help alleviate foot pain, it may be beneficial to regularly practice certain stretches designed for strengthening the feet, as well as helping to keep the feet flexible and less tense. There are a number of different stretches you can perform that may benefit certain areas of your lower extremities. For example, one stretch you can perform helps to build your plantar fascia and calf muscles. To complete this stretch, stand on a step, and while holding onto a banister, begin to lower your heel over the edge of the step until you feel the stretch, then hold that position for 15-30 seconds. Then you can slowly bring your heel up, and switch to the other foot and repeat that same action. Another stretch you can practice may benefit your toes, as well as the rest of your foot. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out, then wrap a towel underneath your toes. Grab each end of the towel and begin to pull the towel toward you. Again, you may hold this position for 15-30 seconds. For more information on how different stretches can benefit your feet, it’s suggested that you contact a podiatrist for professional advice.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park, Beachwood, and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.