Stretching the feet and ankles is an effective way to improve flexibility, reduce discomfort, and support overall foot function. Regular foot and ankle stretching can help loosen tight muscles and tendons, increasing range of motion and reducing stiffness. It may also aid in preventing injuries such as Achilles tendon strains and heel pain. Improved flexibility and circulation contribute to better balance, particularly beneficial as people age. The circulation stretch involves pointing and flexing the toes while seated to promote blood flow and mobility. The towel foot stretch targets the muscles of the feet and calves by using a towel to gently pull the foot back while flexing and pointing against resistance. The calf and foot stretch involves lying on your back, bending the knees slightly, and using a towel to pull the foot toward the body to stretch the back of the leg and foot. A chiropodist can assess any limitations, recommend appropriate exercises, and address underlying foot issues. If you need guidance to manage foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Stretching the feet can improve their flexibility and overall strength, and can help prevent or reduce the impact of foot injuries. For more information about stretching your feet, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Why Stretching the Feet Is Important

Your feet support the weight of your entire body as you go about your daily activities. As with any other part of your body, stretching and exercising the feet can help maintain their overall health, reduce foot pain, and prevent future injuries. 

How to Stretch 

There are a variety of foot stretches and exercises that you may try. It is recommended that you speak with a chiropodist to learn which exercises are best for you. 

Some examples include: 

• Heel Raises - Hold onto a wall for balance as you slowly rise up on your tiptoes. Hold the position for several seconds, then lower your feet back to the ground. Repeat 10 times. 

• Toe Splay - Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Spread your toes as far apart as you can, holding for several seconds. Repeat 10 times. 

• Towel Scrunches - Sit in a chair and lay a towel flat on the floor in front of you, placing your foot on top of it. Using only your toes, scrunch up the towel pulling it towards you. Repeat several times with each foot. 

• Plantar Fascia Massage - Sit in a chair and place a round or cylindrical object (such as a tennis ball, water bottle, or foam roller) under the arch of your foot. Slowly push your foot forward and backward while applying pressure to the object. Maintain the object between your heel and toes. Do this for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot and ankle are intricate structures designed to support the body's weight and enable movement. Comprising 26 bones, the foot is divided into three main sections, which are the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. The ankle connects the foot to the lower leg, made up of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones. Ligaments and tendons surrounding these bones play an essential role in stabilizing and guiding movement. Kinesiology, the study of body movement, focuses on how these bones and muscles work together to produce motion and maintain balance. The muscles of the foot, including the flexors, extensors, and abductors, provide control over walking, running, and jumping. Additionally, the foot's arches, formed by the longitudinal and transverse structures, help distribute weight evenly, absorbing shock during movement. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on how the bones, ligaments and foot muscles work in harmony.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoes and other forefoot pathologies can cause significant discomfort, affecting mobility and quality of life. Treatment begins with conservative measures such as custom orthotics, padding, and targeted exercises to relieve pain and prevent further deformity. When these approaches are insufficient, surgical intervention may be recommended. Advancements in surgical techniques have revolutionized hammertoe correction. Minimally invasive procedures, improved fixation methods, and faster recovery times allow patients to return to their daily activities more quickly and with less post-operative pain. A chiropodist is essential in diagnosing and treating hammertoes. They can assess the severity of the condition, provide personalized care plans, and recommend surgical options if needed. If you are experiencing discomfort from a hammertoe or other foot problem, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore the best treatment options.

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.

Symptoms

• One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint

• Pain or irritation on the affected toes

• Corns and calluses

• Inflammation

• Redness

• Stiff toe joints

• Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be suggested. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.