Foot pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as strenuous physical activity, high heels, tight shoes, or medical conditions. Whatever the cause, foot pain can be unbearable and restricts movement.
However, certain stretches and exercises can help to alleviate foot pain. Read on to discover the five best stretches that can cure your foot pain.
1. Toe Stretching Exercise
This stretching exercise can help relieve pain in the toes and the soles of the feet. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your toes back towards your shins, but try not to curl them.
Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and then release. Repeat this stretch 10 times for each foot.
2. Calf Stretch Exercise
This stretching exercise is ideal for reducing pain in the arches of your feet. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and place your hands on a wall. Take one step forward with your right foot, and press your right heel into the ground.
Lean forward towards the wall, keeping your back straight. You should feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat the exercise.
3. Ankle Circles Exercise
This exercise helps to improve ankle mobility and flexibility. Sit on the floor with both legs extended in front of you. Lift your right foot and slowly, in a circular motion, rotate your ankle clockwise for 10 counts.
Then, rotate your ankle anti-clockwise for 10 counts. Repeat with your left foot.
4. Towel Stretch Exercise
This stretching exercise helps to relieve pain in the arches of the feet. While seated comfortably on the floor, loop a towel around the ball of one foot. Hold onto the ends of the towel with both hands and gently pull the towel towards your body.
You should feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and then release. Repeat the stretch 10 times for each foot.
5. Plantar Fascia Stretch Exercise
This exercise is specifically targeted for pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Sit on the floor and extend one leg in front of you. Loop a towel around the ball of your foot, and gently pull it towards your body, keeping your knee straight.
You should feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and then release. Repeat the exercise with the opposite foot.
These stretching exercises can help to relieve foot pain and promote mobility. Do these exercises at least twice a day for best results. To keep your feet healthy, avoid wearing tight shoes, high heels, and strenuous physical activity.
In case of persistent foot pain, consult a doctor to ensure that there is no underlying medical condition.