Foot Strengthening Exercises:
Toe Tapping: While seated, tap your toes on the floor for 30 seconds. Gradually increase the duration as your strength improves.
Toe Scrunches: Sit or stand and scrunch your toes as if picking up a small object from the floor. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat.
Arch Strengthening:
Arch Lifts: Sit or stand with your feet flat on the floor. Lift your arches while keeping your toes on the ground. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat.
Stretching Exercises:
Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall, place one foot forward and the other back, keeping both heels on the ground. Lean forward, feeling the stretch in the calf. Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch sides.
Towel Stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs extended. Loop a towel around the ball of your foot and gently pull it towards you, stretching the calf and foot.
Foot Mobility Exercises:
Ankle Circles: Rotate your ankles clockwise and counter clockwise for 30 seconds each.
Toe Flexibility: Sit with one foot lifted off the ground and spell out the alphabet with your big toe. Repeat with the other foot.
Proper Footwear:
Wear footwear that provide proper arch support and cushioning.
Avoid high heels for extended periods, and choose shoes that promote a natural foot position.
Author
Dr. DURGA SARAVANAN (PT., MSc Sports Biomechanics and kinesiology), Consultant physiotherapist.