Exercise and the Feet

Like other parts of your body, your feet are composed of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. And just like other parts of your body, your feet can benefit from exercise. The feet support the rest of your body, so keeping them strong and flexible will help you maintain your overall health and mobility for years to come.

To improve foot flexibility and mobility, you can do a few simple stretches. Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your toes and the balls of your feet on the floor, slowly raise your heels. Hold for several seconds and then lower them to the floor. Next, point your toes and slowly raise your heels until only the tips of your longest toes are touching the floor. Hold for several seconds and then lower your heels to the floor again. Finally, raise your heels and curl your toes inwards so that only the tips of the toes touch the floor. Hold for five seconds. Repeat each of these steps 10 times to boost foot flexibility. 

To strengthen your toes, you can do simple toe curls. Spread a small towel on the flat on the floor. Sit upright in a chair and place one foot flat on the floor and the other flat on the towel. Using only your toes, grasp the towel and scrunch it, pulling it towards yourself. Repeat this on the other foot. You can also spread some marbles out on the floor in front of you and use just your toes to pick them up. 

To learn more about various foot exercises, consult with a chiropodist.