Our office works very closely with physical therapy groups in the Seattle area to provide necessary exercises for patients to need specialized exercises for weakened muscles due to immobilization for injuries, neurological conditions, or after surgeries. We also teach foot exercises for various conditions or general health in the office that are simple and can be done at home. But for specialized care, we refer to physical therapy.
The feet are often considered the foundation of the body. There are numerous benefits to having strong feet, and this can be encouraged by performing proper foot exercises. Additionally, flexibility can be attained by exercising the feet, and this may positively affect balance and support of the body’s weight. There are simple ways to accomplish this, and several of these stretching exercises involve the use of a towel. When the calves are stretched, the benefits extend to the ankles and feet, which can improve circulation. While seated, fully extend the leg, wrap the towel around the sole of the foot, and gently pull forward. Typically, you’ll feel moderate tension, and it’s beneficial to hold this position for 30 seconds. These stretches not only feel good, but will strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet. Please consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. John Hoy from Seattle Foot and Ankle Center in Seattle, Washington to learn more about the benefits of exercising the feet. Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
Exercise for Your Feet
For those who might not have any idea on how a foot-specific exercise might be conducted, there are several workouts that are fairly easy to perform in the comfort of ones’ home. One of the easiest is the toe rise, also known as the tip-toe. This exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 then resting the feet on the ground. This process should be repeated a minimum of three times a day in order to strengthen the feet.
Toe pick-ups strengthen the feet by working them in a very different way. In this exercise, small items are picked up using the toes in order to strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Once again three sets should be performed, with the item in question being held for 15 seconds then dropped. Items that may be picked up using the feet include marbles and even stationery, which works wonders for the toes and the surrounding muscles.
Yet another simple workout is the ankle pump. This can be done either upwards or downwards, but for the workout to be most effective both can be incorporated into the routine. As the term suggests, this involves lifting the foot off the floor and flexing the toes either towards the shin or towards the ground. This movement puts the feet and ankles through a large range of motion which works the muscles.
Last but not least, feet should be stretched so that the muscles can relax and recuperate. This can be done by placing both feet off of the floor and bracing oneself against the wall at a 45 degree angle. This ensures that the feet and ankles are adequately stretched once the workout is complete.
In short, giving the feet a good workout every now and then is important in order to avoid problems such as plantar fasciitis. It’s also important to warm-up or cool-down after running or vigorous walking. Foot exercises may be followed by a good foot massage. This encourages circulation in the feet as well as muscle relaxation.