Benefits of Stretching for Healthy Feet
If you’ve ever taken a workout class at any point in your life, I’m sure you can remember vividly how much the instructor emphasized stretching. You’d get a lecture every class about how it helps get you ready to get your body fit, but did you know it is also great for your feet? From avid athletes to occasional athletes, getting active provides a huge benefit to our bodies. To stay fit and moving though, you must pay special attention to your feet.
Stretch for healthy feet
Our feet are put through strenuous activities almost daily. Experts say the average person can walk about 150,000 miles in their lifetime – the length of the world six times over! All the hard work of moving around can put great strain on your feet, which without proper care, can lead to pain or inflammation. Stretching can greatly mitigate the risk of common injuries and can help reduce the possibility of common foot issues like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Stretching is an important part of any exercise routine. Typically, part of the “warm up,” stretching helps keep your muscles flexible, healthy, and strong, which helps to maintain range of motion in your joints. Without that flexibility, your muscles will tighten and shorten as you age, which is one easy trip to an injury.
Strong, flexible joints are what keeps our bodies active as we age too. With regular stretching, you’ll have the flexibility to play with your grandchildren, bend down and pick up objects, and so much more.
What else can stretching improve?
Stretching keeps you flexible, but it can also improve
Your circulation by bringing blood to the muscles in your feet. This is a must to keep healthy feet, especially if you have a condition like diabetes. It also keeps your muscles loose, which improves your posture.
Your posture by keeping your muscles loose. You can help ward off aches and pains of aging with good posture.
Your balance by keeping you limber. Prevent a fall as you age with regular stretching!
Stretching tips:
Don’t stretch through the pain. If it hurts, stop immediately.
Focus on major muscles in your feet, as well as your calves, thighs, and hips.
Slow and easy stretches are better than bouncing – bouncing can tighten or even tear your muscles.
Relax, breathe deep, and take your time. Try to stay in the same position for at least 30 seconds.
Our podiatrists can help!
Need more stretching tips from our podiatrists or have a foot issue that needs to be addressed? Contact our team of board-certified podiatrists at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers in Los Angeles County. Dr. Eric M. Feit and his team of experienced foot care specialists can assess and improve your foot health, and give you tips on preventing injuries to keep your feet flexible, strong, and healthy! Schedule an appointment at any of our offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro, CA today!