Dealing With Foot Pain

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

26 Oct 2007 02:48 PM

Walking is one of the greatest forms of exercise -- but if your feet hurt, you probably don't want to do much walking! Here are some stretches that can help prevent and relieve foot pain, whether you're on your feet all day or not.

Stretch your toes quickly and easily: sit in a chair with your right leg crossed over your left thigh. Lace your fingers through your toes as if you were holding hands with your foot. Squeeze your fingers (and toes) together for a ten second count, then stretch your fingers (and toes) apart for a ten second count. Do this three times, then repeat with your left leg crossed over your right thigh.

Give yourself an arch massage with a tennis ball or golf ball. Stand with the ball directly under your toes. Roll the ball around the sole of your foot slowly for a few minutes. Repeat with the other foot.

Stretch your heels out: sit on the floor with your right leg extended and your left leg curled in -- left foot against your thigh. Lean forward (it's okay to bend your knee) and grab your foot. Hook one thumb around your pinkie toe and one thumb around your big toe. Pull back gently to flex your foot. Press your thumbs away from each other to stretch and separate your toes, then massage the bottom of your foot with your fingers. I love this one... it feels so good!

Stair or curb stretch: stand with your heels hanging off the edge of a step or curb. Lift up onto your toes and flex down so your heels sink down. This stretches your feet and helps build calf tone. Hang on to a rail or something nearby if balance is an issue. Balance is usually an issue for me -- I'm not very graceful.

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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