Foot Flexibility

Increasing foot flexibility:
Your feet are the foundation on which you stand. Literally! Increasing the flexibility in your feet is just one of many things you can do to help alleviate the strain your feet deal with every day. When your feet feel good, so do you and it shows: you walk taller, and you have more confidence with each stride you take.
Listed below are some great things you can do to increase flexibility and strength in your feet. A few minutes a day can make a world of difference!

1. Toe Fan: Begin with feet firmly on the floor, parallel to each other, hip distance apart. Lift and lower just your toes. You want your pinkie toe and big toe to rise to the same height. Repeat 4 times. For an added challenge, spread your toes on the lift as wide as you can.
2. Great toe down: Start with all of your toes lifted. Press just the big toe down and up. Repeat this action 8 times, then try the exercise with your pinky, or littlest toe (if possible). Alternate biggest and littlest toes 4 times.
3. Heel Raise: Begin with your feet planted firmly on the floor, then raise just your heel, so you are balancing on the balls of your feet. Slowly lower your heels back to the ground. Repeat this 8 times. Try to keep your back straight and remember to hold on to something if necessary.
4. Doming: Exactly how it sounds, the aim of this exercise is to make a dome with your foot. Grip the ground with your toes without curling them under your foot.
5. Rolling: After a long day or a run, place a rubber ball* on the floor and then roll each part of your foot carefully. Let gravity aid you here to press your foot into the ball. This exercise promotes blood flow and stimulates the nerves.

*You may substitute the rubber ball for a tennis or golf ball, or even a sturdy glass bottle
Any of these little exercises, especially in combination will noticeably increase foot flexibility and balance. The benefits of strengthening your feet cannot be overstated! Trust your foot with a foot specialist and book an appointment today!
Here at Waterloo Foot Clinic we want to help you get the most out of your feet! If you have any problems, questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at (519) 884-3668 or info@waterloofootclinic.com