New Year, New Feet

It’s New Year Resolution time again. Each year resolutions are made, and then broken. Health is one of the top resolutions for people to make; exercise more, lose weight, and stop smoking. This year, don’t set yourself up for disappointment. I have a resolution that can take you all through the year and have your feet thanking you. Follow these four exercises to alleviate pain and keep your feet stylish throughout the year.

1. While standing, place toes against the wall, lean slightly forward until the arch starts to stretch. If you experience heel pain, sit on the floor with one leg stretched out in front of you. Take a small towel and wrap it around the ball of the foot, softly pulling back the towel ends until the foot begins to stretch.
2. Place foam toe separators between toes and squeeze for five seconds, repeating ten times. Next, place a thick rubber band around all five toes and stretch the band as wide as possible, holding for five seconds and repeating on each foot ten times.
3. Place a golf ball under the ball of your foot and roll it back and forth with light pressure. Do this exercise sitting down so you don’t lose balance and hurt your foot.
4. To do heel raises, stand upright and raise yourself up on the balls of your feet. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times. For toe points and flexes, start in the same position, lift one foot and roll it forward until the toes are pointing downward toward the ground. Flex your foot upwards. Hold each position for five seconds and repeat ten times.