3 Stretches for Healthy Feet and Ankles

Try these exercises three or four times a week, or every day if you can.

1. Circulation Stretches

These improve circulation in your legs, feet and ankles. Sitting in a chair, flex and point your toes. Flex to one side, then the other. Relax your foot and flex outward. Finally, go all the way around in a circle.

Do 10 on each side, relax and repeat.

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2. Towel Foot Stretch

Get ready to exercise your calf and feet muscles. Sitting on the floor or on a mat, wrap a hand towel around the bottom of your foot, holding one end of the towel in each hand. Flex your foot, then point against the towel's resistance. For an added stretch, bend your knee outward and pull your foot toward you to feel the stretch down your calf through your ankle and foot.

Do 10 on each side, relax and repeat.

3. Calf and Foot Stretch

Gain flexibility in your calves, feet and ankles. Lie on your back on a mat, bending both knees as you roll down. Hook your towel around the bottom of your foot, holding both ends and keeping your knee slightly bent. Pull your foot toward you to feel the stretch through the back of your ankle, foot and calf.

Hold for 20 seconds on each side, relax and repeat.