Regardless of your exercise routine, stretching is important.
With a simple 5-10 minute warmup, you can reduce the strain on your muscles, tendons, and joints, and help to prevent many serious injuries from occurring.
When it comes to stretching, it’s important to warm up your feet and ankles as well. Here are a few warmup exercises that will help to prepare your feet for the workout ahead.
Wall Push Up
Face a wall with your feet flat on the floor, and your knees locked. Lean into the wall with your feet placed firmly on the floor and hold for ten seconds, and then relax. Repeat five times.
Hamstring Stretch
The hamstring stretch, as the name would suggest, is designed to stretch your hamstrings. Start by putting your foot on a table or chair, keep your legs straight and knee locked. Keep the other leg locked and straight on the ground. Then lower your head towards your raised knee until you feel your muscles tighten. Hold this stretch for ten seconds, repeat five times, and then switch legs.
Lower Back Stretch
While standing, keep both of your legs straight and your feet slightly apart. Bend at the waist and attempt to touch the palms of your hands to the floor. Hold this stretch for ten seconds, and repeat ten times.
Excessive tightness of the calf muscles can lead to many foot and knee problems, including injury to the Achilles tendon. If the calf muscle is too tight, it can limit the movement of the ankle joint, increasing the chance of injury. To help stave off these injuries make sure you warm up before, and after your workouts. Easing yourself into your routine instead of jumping in before your body has had a chance to warm up is always your best option.
For foot and ankle treatment in Houston, Texas contact Dr. Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.