4 Essential Ways Of How To Make Your Feet Stronger

Feet Stronger

The human feet are a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art that enables you to stand for long hours, walk for long distances, hop, skip and jump and follow the activities that your heart wants to follow.

Just like a sound foundation ensures that a building stands upright forever; having strong feet ensure a longer, happier, and healthier life.

However, we often tend to take our feet for granted.  Even the best of athletes focus upon building muscles legs, arms, calves, abs, and the rest of the body; but hardly anyone pays attention to the feet.

We seem to forget the fact that our feet are involved in almost every activity we do. They provide us the support and balance in almost all our bodily movements. Lack of strength in our feet is therefore bound to compromise our ability to do any physical activity; be it walking, running, jump, high-intensity sporting event, or even standing!

The Science Behind the Structure of the Feet

Before we embark upon knowing the ways about how to ensure that your feet stronger, it is important to understand the three most important aspects that dictate how strong or weak your feet are. These are –

1.The Soles 

Most of us who wear shoes all day long have very soft and tender feet soles. You would have noticed that those who spend time barefooted, have thicker soles. This makes them stronger and firmer and they are able to withstand superficial injuries as well as normal wear and tear quite easily.

2. The Joints, Muscles, And Tendrils Of The Feet 

The human foot is a very complex structure. It is made of 33 joints, 26 bones, and almost 100 ligaments! They all are designed to function in a manner that the foot can take the weight of the entire body and spread it evenly to maintain balance in all types of movement.

Strong feet not only help an efficient movement but also help in improving the posture. They also help in avoiding spinal injuries by efficiently maintaining our balance, thus cushioning the effect of any jerks.

3. Arches in the Feet 

The arches in our feet help in an efficient rolling action, which maintains the balance during movement. Sometimes the arches are not well developed, giving rise to a situation commonly known as flat feet. When someone is flat-footed, it is difficult to maintain good rolling action which in turn leads to a lower range of action consequently lowering strength as well as speed.

How to Make Your Feet Stronger

Most of us are blessed with well-shaped feet that can take the rigors of our daily life and all the activities we undertake, but often we tend to neglect our feet and suffer the consequences by way of loss of strength as well as suffer from early aging symptoms. It is but natural that if the feet are weak, a person’s mobility will be restricted and he will do fewer activities. This would have an adverse effect on overall health. On the other hand, if a person is active,  some of the drawbacks of being flat-footed can be overcome.

Here are some of the ways of how to make your feet stronger

Exercises

image003

By consciously spending some time doing the following specific exercises is the best way to make your feet stronger –

  1. Caterpillar Type Movement – (BenefitStrengthens the arches)

Lie down on your back, draw your knees and place the feet flat on the floor about 8 inches away from each other. Then lift the arches of both the feet and simultaneously pull your toes backward toward the heels. Keep this position for a few seconds and bring back the arches and toe to their original position. Then do the reverse- arches up and heels toward the toes. Repeat this set three to five times.

  1. Windshield Wiper Movement – (Benefit Strengthens the entire foot and improves ankle stability)

In continuation with the caterpillar type movement exercise listed above, lift the toes, keeping the feet flexed while only the heels are touching the floor. Then slowly roll your feet to the ground and lift the heels keeping only your toes are on the ground. Repeat 8-10 times.

  1. Wing and Sickle Movement – (Benefit – Strengthens the ankles and promotes correct posture)

Continue lying down as above and roll your feet inward along the inner edge in line with the toe, then roll outwards in line with a small finger. Do this 3-5 times.

  1. The Round Knot Movement – (Benefit – Stretches the ligaments and aids foot alignment)

Sit upright on the floor and extend your legs in front. Bend the left knee towards yourself and interlace the fingertips of the right hand with the left toes. Inch them forward and backward giving the foot a stretch. Repeat 6-8 times. Then do the same with the other foot.

Toughening up Your Feet

There are many other ways of how to make your feet stronger.

  • Stand More Often Our daily life is mostly based on sitting. Be it office or home, we spend the day sitting. Consciously standing more often would help strengthen and stretch the muscles of the feet.
  • Jogging/Walking on the Sand If you have access to a sandy beach, try walking or running gently on the sand. This would increase the flexibility and strength in your feet and exercise the arch.

    Read also: Why Jumping on Trampolines is More Beneficial than Running or Jogging?

  • Walking Barefoot Crazy as it may appear, walking on smooth rocks can do wonders for your feet’ strength. Walking barefoot on grass is equally effective as it toughens up the feet soles and makes the feet stronger.

Using Shoes With Insoles

image004

Insoles were traditionally used for making short people appear taller. These days however they are scientifically designed for multiple functions and assist in skiing, biking, golf, etc.

Using best insoles for flat feet ensures not only physical comfort but also improves efficiency and performance in all your multifarious activities.

Even those who suffer from other ailments like Morton’s Neuroma and plantar fasciitis can benefit by using the best insoles for flat feet and carry out all activities normally.

Go On, Focus On Your Feet!

If you want to enhance your control, balance, and power, it is important to start focusing on strengthening your feet.

It will also make you agile with better control of movement. Following these simple tips in your daily routine can put you on the way to balanced, more powerful, and stronger feet in a matter of a few days!

Read also: Get up and Workout! Things to Consider

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Antidepressants

10 Weird Facts About Antidepressants

People are working longer hours, have less time with family, and are constantly battling stressful situations. In addition, being constantly inundated with the news through social media can make anyone depressed. There's not enough time for daily yoga and meditation. As a result, many of us are turning to antidepressants to get us through these stressful times. But antidepressants come at a cost, and it's important to know all the facts. Some of these facts aren't common knowledge, and often your doctor won't even discuss them before prescribing antidepressants. Here are 10 weird facts about antidepressants that will surprise you. 1. We Don't Know How Antidepressants Work: Antidepressants have been around for a long time, and yet, we still don't know exactly how they work. And since everybody's depression is different, we don't know how well they work for varying degrees of depression or if they sufficiently treat depression at al. In fact, we don't even know if they're safe for long-term use. 13% of Americans take antidepressants, some for other illnesses like anxiety and fibromyalgia. Yet studies -- mostly paid for by pharmaceutical companies -- include only a few thousand people. Many of us have been told that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but we don't really know if that's true either. What most studies look at is our brain's level of serotonin. However, neither lowering nor increasing the level of serotonin in the brain reduces the symptoms of depression. If low levels of serotonin were the cause of depression, then antidepressants wouldn't take several weeks to work. They would work immediately, or at least within a few days, once the levels of serotonin increase. But they don't. Another interesting fact about antidepressants is that some don't even increase serotonin and still work as well as any other antidepressant. 2. All Antidepressants Are Equally Effective: It's a known fact about antidepressants that pharmaceutical companies spend a lot of money pushing one pill over another. Doctors aren't pharmacists and tend to push whatever antidepressants they're most familiar with. At times, they're buddies with the pharmaceutical sales rep. A fact about antidepressants is that there's no evidence that one antidepressant is more effective at treating depression than another. What a person needs to weigh is the cost and side effects, which can vary greatly from one person to another. There are over 30 different kinds of antidepressants available. They all work on different parts of the brain, inhibiting or increasing receptors of certain hormones. They have different side effects, and they all are equally effective. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. 3. They Don't Work Immediately: All antidepressants take several weeks before they're fully effective. It can take anywhere from two weeks to a month before you know if it's the right antidepressant for you. One unfortunate fact about antidepressants is that many people have to cycle through several kinds of antidepressants, suffering from a variety of side effects before they find the right one. That's a long time for trial and error. And eventually, the effectiveness wears off over time. Many people build up a tolerance, and signs of depression return. Then you need to try a different antidepressant, and the trial and error process begins again. This could make anyone depressed. Fortunately, there are other treatments like TMS which don't require you to take any medication at all. 4. Dosage Makes No Difference Either: Many doctors start their patients off with a low dose and then gradually increase over time. There's no evidence that this is necessary or that higher dosages are more effective. Since this is the case, you're better off taking a low dose and having less negative side effects. It's a myth that a person will get better quicker if they are on a higher dosage of an antidepressant. 5. Antidepressants Can Help Your Sex Life: It is a pretty well-documented fact about antidepressants that one side effect is a lowered sex drive. That said, depression itself can lower your sex drive too. Interestingly, this low-libido side effect can have its benefits by helping men with premature ejaculation. Antidepressants can delay ejaculation, and for men who suffer from premature ejaculation, the delay can be a big help. One study found that men who took an SSRI a couple of hours before intercourse had longer ejaculation times compared to the placebo group. 6. Animals Get Depressed Too: Americans spend an estimated $15 million a year on medication for their depressed cats and dogs. Depression symptoms for animals aren't too different than those for people, so it's fairly easy to detect. However, it's difficult to treat animals with therapy. Instead, some veterinarians are treating pets with antidepressants. Zoo animals are on antidepressants too. They are being used to treat everything from aggression to obsessive-compulsive disorder. 7. You'll Feel Worse at First: Not only do antidepressants take a while to kick in, but your symptoms may be exacerbated. It's not uncommon for you to feel more tired, less hungry, less ambitious, and sadder. Things will get better. It just takes a while. In addition, the side effects don't help either. This is why doctors usually start a person off with a low dose, to reduce the intensity of side effects, before they find the right medication and dose. 8. Antidepressants Can Be Harmful: Antidepressants come with a long list of side effects, many of which mirror the symptoms of depression, lethargy, insomnia, nausea, anger, violence, and even suicidal thoughts. The side effects can sometimes be more debilitating than the illness it's treating. A person needs to seriously weigh the pros and cons. Often a person can mistake a side effect of the medication as a symptom of depression. Since we don't know how the drugs work, it's hard to know. Another fact about antidepressants is that once you start, it's not safe to quit cold turkey. A person should wean off of them slowly, and many aren't willing to do this. Quitting antidepressants quickly can be dangerous. 9. You Can Overdose on Antidepressants: Too much of a good thing can be too much. As mentioned, more isn't always better, but often people have prescribed higher doses of antidepressants anyway. You can overdose on antidepressants, and the symptoms of overdosing on them aren't always obvious. Zoloft overdose symptoms can include lethargy and nausea, which may be confused with ordinary side effects. Other, less obvious overdose symptoms include high blood pressure or inflammation of the pancreas, which can be mistaken for a cold or flu. However, if a person seems agitated, confused, or is vomiting, that's not normal. If someone taking antidepressants has these symptoms or becomes incoherent or unresponsive, call a doctor immediately A Zoloft overdose also can lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome can occur when dangerously high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin build up in the brain. 10. Antidepressants Can Interact with Other Drugs: It's very important to tell the doctor prescribing antidepressants if you're taking other drugs. It's also essential that you're honest about your use of recreational drugs and alcohol. All of these can have harmful interactions with antidepressants. Don't ever share your medication with anyone, especially if you don't know what other medications they might be taking or if they are using recreational drugs. Interactions can be deadly. Facts About Antidepressants Revealed Now that you know more about antidepressants, you can make a well-informed decision about taking them. Depression is debilitating, and some people battle with the disease their whole lives. For some, antidepressants are a last resort, and for others, they're hoping for a temporary solution that will give them an opportunity to have a better perspective. No matter the reason, there is no shame in being depressed or needing treatment. However, there are other methods of treating depression that can be used in conjunction with medication, such as therapy, exercise, diet, and natural remedies. Many of these have been proven to be equally effective. For more great articles about staying healthy, visit our blog. Read Also : 3 Ways To Connect With Nature And Quiet Your Mind Your Guide To HRT For Men All That You Need To Know About Dandy-Walker Syndrome

READ MOREDetails
how to get a better smile

How To Get a Better Smile Whatever Your Budget

According to a recent survey by the ADA (American Dental Association), 42% of Americans don't see a dentist as often as they'd like, and only 25% are happy with their oral health. How to get a better smile within your budget will no longer be a problem for you. One of the main reasons why people don't go to the dentist regularly is due to lack of finances or health insurance. Luckily, you can take good care of your oral health no matter your budget. Proper dental hygiene doesn't cost a lot, and watching what you eat and drink is another great way to prevent cavities and gum disease. Curious to learn how to get a better smile regardless of your budget? Read on below to find the best tips for keeping your pearly whites healthy! Proper Dental Hygiene One of the best ways to improve your smile is to practice proper dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and removing plaque should be essential parts of your daily routine. Choose quality toothbrush and toothpaste and avoid acidic foods or eating too much sugar to prevent cavities. Natural Alternatives You don't have to use expensive dental products to keep your teeth white and healthy. There are many natural alternatives and teeth whitening tips that won't damage your teeth and give you great results with regular use. Some examples include brushing your teeth with activated charcoal, coconut oil pulling, rinsing your mouth with green tea, eating fruits and veggies, and brushing with turmeric to kill bacteria and soothe inflammation. Regular Dental Checkups Though dentists can be expensive, regular checkups are crucial to your dental health. Most oral problems are easily treated if caught early, and if you have good dental coverage, going to the dentist twice a year is a good starting point. If your teeth are damaged beyond repair, consider undergoing a cosmetic dental surgery or getting all on four dental implants for a sparkling white smile. Eating Healthy Food Healthy food and proper hydration are key to good oral health. Consume food with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial features rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. To prevent cavities and bad breath, avoid smoking, red wine, acidic foods, coffee, alcohol, sodas, sugary foods, and junk food. Improve Your Overall Health Your oral health can affect your overall health and vice-versa, so consider doing a complete body checkup at least once a year. Health issues like obesity, heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure can affect the health of your mouth and teeth. This can cause inflammation, cavities, bad breath, and in some cases, oral cancer. Now You Know How To Get A Better Smile Whatever Your Budget! You don't need a lot of money to have a beautiful smile and healthy teeth! There are natural ways to whiten your teeth, prevent cavities, and always have a fresh breath. Use these tips to learn how to get a better smile and maintain great oral health no matter your budget. Poor dental hygiene and health problems can cause serious problems, the most common of which is gum disease. Read this article to learn the best ways to prevent periodontal disease and have a healthy smile. Read Also: Essential Things To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants 6 Ways To Relieve From Tooth Pain And Sensitivity Naturally Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need To Know

READ MOREDetails
Back Pain

Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Unfortunately, back pain is common that we start treating it as a normal part of our daily life. However, back pain, as well as any other pain, should not be tolerated or ignored. Many people have problems with back pain at night or in the morning after they wake. What’s the cause of this? Is it your sleep position? Or maybe your mattress? Is Your Mattress The Cause of Your Back Pain? The first step in treating back pain is to identify its source. However, that’s not always as easy as it sounds. The pain can be caused or aggravated by multiple factors. Typically, factors that contribute to back pain the most are age, old injuries flaring up and an inactive lifestyle. Sometimes, jumping into a new exercise or activity can also cause back pain. In most cases, we are all aware of the factors mentioned above. However, there are also some factors that many people ignore or just overlook. For example, if you wake up every morning in pain, there is a huge possibility your mattress causes the pain. Sleep experts and mattress specialists, in fact, say that your bed should be your first suspect if you can’t sleep comfortably at night. After all, since we spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping, we should be aware that mattresses wear off over time and require replacement. Also, your sleep habits change as you age, and what worked for you when you were young, may not suit your sleeping needs today. However, the good news is that if your mattress is at the root of the problem, you can quickly address it by getting a new one. With so many models out there, it may be rather hard to select a new bed. Fortunately, Counting Sheep can help you! Counting Sheep’s experts have spent years of researching different mattress types and people’s sleeping needs and created an unbiased mattress guide that will definitely help you make any mattress related decision with quickly and with ease. With their guide, you won’t have to worry about mattress related back pain anymore, and you will wake up every morning feeling refreshed and pain-free. How to Determine if My Mattress is Causing My Back Pain? Use the following checklist to determine whether your mattress is most likely the source of your pain and discomfort. Take notes where and when the pain appears: If it’s mattress related, it is generally muscular. Your bed is the one to blame if you wake up in the morning stiff and achy, but feel better as the day goes on. The pain is also relieved by stretching, yoga or light exercising. Symptoms are typically present to the middle back or lower back. Consider the age factor: If your mattress is more than seven years old, it will most likely cause back pain. Years of usage lead to wear and tear, and your body will definitely feel it. Also, keep in mind that your body changes as you age and that now you may have different sleep needs or preferences. Look for sagging spots: If your mattress is sagging, your spine won’t be properly aligned during sleep which will cause back pain. Your spine has to be in a neutral position, and not curving down. Listen to your body: If you feel lumps or springs poking you when lying down, there is a good chance your bed is contributing to your back pain. Check your bed after vacation: When you sleep somewhere else than your bed, you recognize right away if the mattress is saggy, lumpy or simply too hard. Since most of us keep our bed longer than we should, we are used to sleeping on a less-than-optimal surface. After a vacation, your mattress will feel a little less familiar than before, and this is the perfect time to conduct another evaluation test. Read Also: 12 Secret Methods Of Chi Machines Domination Bed Time Yoga To Sleep Well

READ MOREDetails