When it comes to exercise, most people focus on training their upper and lower body but often overlook strength training for their feet, says our McKinney, TX, podiatrist. However, the strength and stability of your foot is necessary for proper foot function. Having strong feet provides the foundation for your entire core – and a strong, stable core can help reduce or prevent pain in other parts of your body.
Our McKinney podiatrist suggests you follow your own at-home foot-strengthening regimen, with some of the exercises described below.
Strengthen Your Arches
In your bare feet, try raising up on your toes and walking around while on the balls of your feet, suggests our podiatrist in McKinney, TX. This type of activity also promotes greater balance and stability. You may find it helpful to initially use a wall or chair for balance, or build up your strength more slowly with repetitive heel lifts. You can also alternate this exercise by walking on your heels for additional stretching.
Try This Simple Toe Exercise
Drop a pencil on the floor and use your toes to pick it up, suggests our McKinney, TX, podiatrist. This exercise can be performed standing or seated in a chair. As your toes curl around the pencil, hold for several seconds, and then repeat 10-12 times. Can’t find a pen or pencil? Try using a small towel or washcloth instead.
Build Your Ankle Strength, Too
According to our McKinney podiatrist, your ability to achieve and maintain good balance goes a long way in preventing injury to your foot or other parts of your body. An exercise like leg swings can help strengthen your ankles and promote overall balance. To perform leg swings, stand on one leg and swing the other leg forward and backward 10-12 times. Before switching to the other leg, swing the same leg to the left and right, out in front of your positioned leg. Repeat this set on your opposite leg, and continuing alternating between left and right legs. You’re on your way!
It is important to begin your foot strengthening exercises slowly. Diving too quickly into any new exercise routine can cause the strain or injury you are working hard to avoid, cautions our podiatrist in McKinney.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about foot-friendly gifts or other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office near McKinney, TX, by clicking here or by calling 972.853.7100.
Your Top-Rated Podiatrist in the Dallas & Fort Worth Metroplex
The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.
Derrick W.
The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.
Joseph B.
I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.
Jeannette H.
Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.
Meryl E.
I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.
Google User
Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.