Stetches for Your Feet

It is estimated that foot pain is or has been a reality for about 75% of Americans. Due to their location and design, the feet take the brunt of your body’s weight and are in almost constant use throughout your daily activities. Certain stretches and exercises can help you keep your feet healthy and pain-free. Find out more about these stretches and more with your Danbury, Plainville, and New Milford, CT podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Connecticut.

What causes foot pain? 
Foot pain can come from many things, including injury, overuse, and underlying conditions. Some common causes of foot pain include:

• plantar fasciitis
• arthritis
• tendonitis
• flatfeet
• tarsal tunnel syndrome
• stress fractures
• bursitis
• repeated stress
• bunions
• bone spurs

Stretches to Prevent Foot Pain
Stretching the muscles relieves tension and improves its range of motion, flexibility, and elasticity. When stretching, focus on holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds for several repetitions. Some simple foot exercises and stretches include:

• Stand facing a wall. Straighten the back leg and bend the front leg with your feet flat on the floor. Move your body from the hips up until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Switch and put the other foot forward.
• Try exercising your foot muscles by grabbing a towel with your toes and pulling it toward you.
• Place a tennis ball on the floor and roll the ball around the arch of your foot for several minutes.
• Use your hands to gently stretch and flex the feet and separate the toes while in the sitting position with the knee bent over the opposite leg.
• Stand on a step with the heels of your feet hanging off of the edge. Slowly lower and raise yourself, holding each position for about 10 seconds.

Foot Pain Treatment in Danbury, Plainville, and New Milford, CT
Your doctor is the best tool in your arsenal to determine the causes and best treatments for your foot pain. Depending on the severity of your condition, simple home treatments like icing or simply resting the foot can treat foot pain. In some cases, your doctor may recommend custom orthotics or night splints to help with the alignment of and weight distribution on your feet. Some patients with more complex issues may require surgery to correct the problems causing their foot pain.

For more information on stretches to help strengthen your feet, please contact Dr. Joseph R. Treadwell, DPM and Dr. Christian E. Davis, DPM at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Connecticut in Danbury, Plainville, and New Milford, CT to schedule your appointment today!