Foot health is part of our overall health and well-being. It is of utmost importance not only because we rely on our feet for doing everyday tasks, but also because our feet serve as the foundation we need to carry our entire body.
The importance of foot health is related to our foot strength, balance, and coordination. One way you can maintain all of these is by doing foot-based activities under the guidance and expertise of a podiatrist . Explore some of the exciting and unusual activities you might not have heard of.
Foot-Based Activities That Improve Foot Strength, Balance, and Coordination
- Yoga
Yoga is one of the exercises that improves strength, balance, and coordination all in one. A holistic practice that hails from India, this encompasses a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual techniques that boost your health and well-being through a combination of different postures and breathing exercises.
Today, there are different offshoots of yoga, including toe and foot yoga. These promote the engagement and strengthening of the muscles, as well as increase flexibility. Moreover, this type of exercise also aids in alleviating foot pain and stiffness, as well as reducing the risk of foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
- Tai Chi
Like yoga, Tai Chi is an ancient type of exercise. As a matter of fact, this is actually deemed as a Chinese martial art that has evolved into a mind-body practice with numerous benefits. Performed in a graceful and meditative manner, most Tai Chi movements require practitioners to shift their weight, making them improve their balance, coordination, and proprioception.
Tai Chi is also a low-impact exercise. This means that it is gentler on the joints while still allowing you to achieve your fitness goals, reduce your risk of falls, and enhance your posture all at the same time.
- Balance Board Activities
A balance board is a training device of sorts that mainly aims to help improve your balance, hence the name. Besides this, a balance board can also be used for therapy, rehabilitation, as well as boosting motor skills with the help of a foot doctor.
Using a balance board is a fun and great way to enhance your coordination and balancing skills. This also aids in improving your feet health by strengthening various muscles across your legs, feet, and ankles. As you progress, you can do more complex and advanced movements, such as squats, on the balance board to challenge yourself.
- Toe Curls and Raises
If you want to start somewhere small, toe curls and raises are your best bet. These two are simple foot exercises that help improve the flexibility and strength of your toes and feet, as well as the muscles in the arch of your foot.
These foot exercises are ideal to start with, particularly for individuals dealing with foot pain, and foot and toe deformities.
To do toe curls, start by sitting on a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Curl your toes slowly towards your shins and hold this for a few seconds. Meanwhile, to do toe raises, you should start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your toes off the ground until you’re standing on your heels. Hold this position for a few seconds.
Do These Exercises with a Trusted Podiatrist
While these exercises are great enough to do on your own, not everyone is adept or knowledgeable in doing these by themselves. A podiatrist can be of assistance to you. Not only can these experts guide you towards doing the exercises properly, but they can even develop personal foot exercise programs and activities that are tailored to your needs.
As professionals in the field, your foot doctor can also assess your feet, gait, and overall condition for any underlying problems that may affect your foot strength, balance, or coordination.
Final Thoughts
Doing foot exercises and activities can boost your foot health and well-being. By performing any of these activities, you can ensure that your foot strength, balance, and coordination are all in harmony with one another, especially with the help and guidance of a podiatrist . If you have any concerns about your feet, be sure to consult with these experts right away.