Exercise Feet and Ankle without Leaving Your Desk
By now, you’ve gotten the message: exercise is essential to prevent illness and maintain good health. Walking and other forms of cardiovascular exercise help keep weight moderate and lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other dangerous diseases. What you might not know is that exercise also helps keep feet and ankles healthy by promoting strong bones, supple muscles and soft tissues. If you are someone with an office job, getting enough exercise over the course of the day can be challenging. Here are some suggestions for exercises that you can do at work:
Take off your shoes and stretch your feet. Point your toes, then flex your ankles and pull your toes back toward your ankle. Scrunch your toes toward the sole of your foot and then spread them wide. Roll your ankles in one direction, then the other.
Sit in your chair and place a pen or pencil on the floor. Use your toes to pick it up. See if you can lift it all the way to your waiting hand. Repeat several times on each side.
Stand up and hold on to the edge of your desk for stability. Raise up on to your toes. Hold for a count of 5, and then slowly lower. Repeat 10 times.
And here’s one bonus exercise that does require you to wear shoes and leave your desk: Take a little walk. Instead of messaging or emailing a colleague, get up and go see them in person. Not only will your foot health benefit, but your professional relationships might as well.
If you’re living with foot pain, the first step toward recovery is a visit with your foot doctor. With years of training and experience, your podiatrist is a medical specialist and the best-qualified professional to help you.
Contact Podiatry Group of Annapolis and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver are experienced and dedicated podiatrists who provide high-quality individualized care. Call us today at 410-224-4448 or visit us online to make an appointment at our conveniently located Annapolis office.