If you are experiencing pain in the arch of your foot, you may find some relief by regularly performing foot stretches. One exercise that you can do is called a plantar fascia stretch. This exercise stretches the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. To do this stretch, sit in a chair and put the foot that hurts on top of the opposite knee. Hold the heel of your foot with one hand and hold the toes with the other hand. Gently pull your heel towards the body while simultaneously pulling the toes back with your other hand. Hold for 15-30 seconds, and repeat this stretch 2-4 times. You should feel a stretch along the bottom of your foot. For more information about what you can do to relieve arch pain, please consult with a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.