Stretching your feet and toes may improve health and wellness.
You probably already know that stretching can be a key component of a healthy fitness routine, as it helps keep muscles and tendons from tightening up too much. It also helps to promote blood flow, which can prevent or reduce pain and swelling throughout the body.
Benefits of Stretching Toes
One of the most important benefits of stretching toes is that it can help prevent and alleviate foot problems like hammer toe, a condition where the second toe is bent at the joint. Moreover, it can relieve pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects the arch of your foot.
Toe Touch and Extensions
A toe stretch that can be done by sitting down with your feet flat on the floor involves reaching down to touch each of your toes with your fingers. This can help relieve pain in your toes, as well as your joints and tendons.
Another effective toe stretch involves wrapping a towel or belt around your big toe and pulling it toward you while pushing against it with your foot. Repeat this exercise 10 times on each foot.
Achilles Tendon Stretching
A great way to stretch the often injured Achilles tendon is to stand and face a wall. Use your hands to steady yourself, and step back with one foot. Then, lean against the wall with your other foot. You should feel a stretching sensation through the back of your leg and your Achilles tendon, but do not overdo it!