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Podiatrist Toronto, ON Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M.
586 Eglinton Avenue E. Suite 501 Toronto, Ontario M4P1P2
Local: 416-486-9917 Toll free: (877) 456-3338

Three Reasons Why Stretching is Good for Your Feet

Three Reasons Why Stretching is Good for Your Feet 

Stretching is great for your body. When you stretch, your muscles loosen up, joints become more flexible, and you get a general sense of better mobility. Stretching your feet is no different. Foot stretches are a great way to boost your foot health. Although this is the case, few people stretch their feet.

The primary reason behind the lack of foot stretching is that people just do not know the benefits of doing so. While there is a deluge of information on why you should exercise and stretch other parts of your body, few of these information sources focus on the feet. Well, in this article, we tell you why foot stretches can be a good habit to pick up.

Boost Flexibility and Mobility

Some foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, are caused by reduced elasticity of foot tissues. Stretching exercises that help increase tissue and muscle elasticity can help boost flexibility. Regular stretching, especially in the morning, can help limber up your foot muscles and soft tissue to give you better mobility throughout the day.

Example Foot Strengthening Stretch

Achilles Stretch: Stand barefoot behind a chair and support yourself by grasping the back. Place one foot in front of the other and bend your knees forward to stretch out your Achilles tendon. Switch up your feet to stretch out the tendon on the other foot. Since you are supporting your body weight while doing this stretch, it can help increase your Achilles tendon strength.

Example Foot Flexibility and Mobility Stretch

Marble Pickup: Sit barefoot in a straight back chair. Put twenty marbles and one bowl on the floor in front of you and pick each marble with your toes and put it in the bowl. Repeat for all marbles, then switch to the other foot and repeat the stretching exercise.

Reduce Pain

Regular stretching can help reduce foot pain, especially if the pain is localized to a specific part of the underfoot. For example, if you have heel pain, stretching can help loosen up your plantar muscles and offer some pain relief. You can repeat stretches at regular intervals throughout the day to get better results.

Example Foot Pain Reduction Stretch

Coldwater bottle or tennis ball rolling: Sit barefoot in a straight back chair. Place the bottle of chilled water or tennis ball on the floor in front of you and place one foot on top of the bottle or ball. Now gently roll it back and forth with your underfoot. Apply gentle downward pressure with your foot so that the rolling sensation can get deeper into the tissues.

 

Last Words

Stretching is most beneficial when done regularly and without putting too much strain on your feet. Pick a few feet stretches that work well for you and add them to your daily routine. Note that if you have a foot injury or recently had foot surgery, you will need to speak to your podiatrist about what foot stretches are safest for you.





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