Start Stretching Your Feet
Our feet do so much for us, but sometimes we forget to give them the love and attention they deserve. Stretching our feet isn’t a self-care ritual most are familiar with, but the positive effects of these exercises can go a long way. From an increased range of motion, injury prevention, and getting your blood flowing to strengthening your muscles, relieving foot pain, and increasing flexibility, the benefits are plentiful. Let’s take a closer look!
Why You Need To Stretch Your Feet
Stretching helps to both loosen tight feet and strengthen your muscles, which increases your chances of staying safe from any potential injuries. For athletes and those who like to work out, stretching your feet is necessary to maintain healthy feet in the long term. If you have diabetes, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis, you can help manage any foot pain you may have by practicing some daily foot exercises.
And best of all, most stretching routines don’t require much time, effort, or equipment – just you and your feet.
Start Slow
For most people, a full-on foot stretching routine isn’t realistic. But that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t participate at all. Taking a few minutes each day, either before work or your workout, to stretch your feet can give you the benefits you need.
One of the simplest ways to stretch your feet is by taking a walk. Each step helps improve circulation while ensuring a nice, gentle, but thorough stretch. If you’re looking for something more specific and foot-focused, try this easy exercise:
- Stand straight with your feet together.
- Lift one foot and curl your toes, placing the top of your foot against the ground.
- Gently apply pressure for 20-30 seconds, then repeat on your other foot.
Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
