Foot Strengthening Exercises You Can Do at Home
When it comes to exercise, most people focus on training their upper and lower body but often overlook strength training for their feet, says our podiatrist in Ballantyne, NC. However, the strength and stability of your foot is necessary for proper foot function. After all, having strong feet provides the foundation for your entire core – and a strong, stable core can help reduce or prevent pain in other parts of your body.
Our expert suggests following your own at-home foot-strengthening regimen, with some of these exercises described below:
Strengthen Your Arches
In your bare feet, try raising up on your toes and walking around while on the balls of your feet. This type of activity also promotes greater balance and stability. You may find it helpful to initially use a wall or chair for balance, or build up your strength more slowly with repetitive heel lifts. You can also alternate this exercise by walking on your heels for additional stretching, adds our podiatrist in Ballantyne, NC.
Try This Simple Toe Exercise
Drop a pencil on the floor and use your toes to pick it up. This exercise can be performed standing or seated in a chair. As your toes curl around the pencil, hold for several seconds, and then repeat 10-12 times. Can’t find a pen or pencil? Try using a small towel or washcloth instead.
Build Your Ankle Strength Too
According to our podiatrist in Ballantyne, NC, your ability to achieve and maintain good balance goes a long way in preventing injury to your foot or other parts of your body. An exercise like leg swings can help strengthen your ankles and promote overall balance. To perform leg swings, stand on one leg and swing the other leg forward and backward 10-12 times. Before switching to the other leg, swing the same leg to the left and right, out in front of your positioned leg. Repeat this set on your opposite leg, and continuing alternating between left and right legs.
Podiatrist in Ballantyne, NC, Says Proper Foot Function Promotes Overall Fitness
It’s important to begin your foot strengthening exercises slowly. Diving too quickly into any new exercise routine can cause the strain or injury you are working hard to avoid. Interested in Learning More? Contact our office for help!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other podiatry-related topics, feel free to contact Charlotte Foot Care Associates, with a convenient podiatry office located near Ballantyne, NC, by click here or by calling 260.434.1133.