Arthritis pain in your feet can deter you from wanting to move around, but guess what? If you want the pain to diminish, that’s exactly what you have to do—get moving! That doesn’t mean you have to start training for a marathon or anything. You can start out slow with these simple stretches for arthritis:
Towel Grab
Place a small towel in front of you, and while keeping your heel flat on the floor, grab the towel with your toes and pull it toward you. Repeat several times.
Toe Pulls
Sit and reach for your toes, bend them back as far as you can, then hold for 10 seconds and do it again.
Ankle Rotations
From a seated position, raise your leg and rotate your ankle in a clockwise direction about 15 times, then reverse to a counter-clockwise rotation. Switch ankles and repeat.
Tennis Ball Roll
This not only stretches your arch, it’s like a little massage! Sit in a chair and place your foot on a tennis ball. Roll the ball under your foot from your toes to your heel and back again.
Tip Toes
Using a wall or chair for support, raise up onto your tip-toes and hold that position for about 10 seconds. Lower back down and do it 10 to 20 more times.
Stretches for arthritis can reduce pain and stiffness and help keep joints flexible so that activities are easier. Do them every day and you’ll be happy you did. You know what they say: “Actions speak louder than words.” Well, squelch out the word “Ouch!” by taking action to control your ache.
Find out more ways in which you can get moving to get rid of arthritis pain. Call Dr. Raymond A DiPretoro Jr. at (302) 355-0056, or visit an Advanced Foot and Ankle Center Inc. near you. We’re located in Newark, Glasgow, and Wilmington DE.