Health

Reasons for Morning Fatigue And What Can Be Done About It

15. Stress Stress is a reality of everyday life. There is good stress and bad stress. Good stress motivates you, whereas bad stress brings you down.… Simi - June 7, 2018

When you’re going to bed on time each evening and getting the required 7-9 hours of sleep your body needs, you’d expect to wake up every morning refreshed, invigorated and ready to go. However, that is not always the case. Many people report getting enough sleep but still feeling exhausted all the time and barely able to get through the day. Sleep is critical to the survival of the human body. The body just cannot continue to function if it does not get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is often self-imposed by people who do not judge it as necessary to get sufficient sleep. So, they get 4-5 hours of sleep a night. Eventually, their bodies cannot go on anymore, and they are likely to fall ill.

During sleep, the body is healing any tissues, muscles and blood vessels. This includes the heart muscles and the blood vessels that supply it and muscles that were strained during the day’s activities or exercises. It is also critical to the maintenance of the body’s immune system which prevents us from being susceptible to opportunistic infections. The body is much like the battery of your cell phone. It cannot run indefinitely and needs to recharge. Whilst electricity charges your phone, sleep charges your body. A lack of sleep can occur even though you get enough sleep. If you don’t get sufficient deep sleep or you wake several times during the night, you will always feel tired. Sleep deprivation leaves you irritable, depressed and drowsy all the time. It makes decision-making difficult. Your body also begins to crave starchy, unhealthy foods to give you a short-term energy boost to overcome your fatigue. Here are some reasons enough sleep still leaves you tired.

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1. Tech addiction

Many people think that browsing the internet, looking at their social media accounts, or playing games on a cellphone, tablet or computer is the perfect way to relax and prepare their bodies for sleep. Others believe that the best way to fall asleep is watching TV shows. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. At the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy 4,100 young people’s use of technology was studied to determine how it affected their sleep and mental health. Many reported problems with sleep together with symptoms of stress and depression.

Studies show that computers, tablets, and cell phones disrupt the body’s ability to sleep. Their high-resolution screens and blue light prevent the body from producing a sleep hormone called melatonin. Darkness is required to produce melatonin. A lack of melatonin causes a raised level of alertness which makes sleep difficult. Even though you may fall asleep quickly enough, the quality of your sleep is affected by the melatonin in your body.

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Experts believe that passive technology use such as watching television, listening to music, or reading an e-book doesn’t have as big an impact on the body’s sleep patterns as interactive applications such as playing games, surfing the web and posting on social media. So, it is advisable to cease all interactive technology use at least one hour prior to going to bed. Passive technology use can be used closer prior to turning off the lights.

Whilst the use of technology is inevitable in today’s world, it is preferable to put cell phones, computers, and tablets away in the evening well before bedtime. And if you’re going to bed on time and still waking up tired, don’t use any passive technology too close to bedtime either to see if it has an appreciable effect.

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2. Your diet

A diet should be finely tuned to ensure a quality night’s sleep. Too much or too little food can impact how well you sleep and how rested you feel in the morning. The timing of your eating habits in relation to your bedtime is also an influencing factor.

Surprisingly, even what you eat for breakfast will affect how well you sleep that night. If you start your day carbo-loading with unhealthy carbohydrates such as doughnuts, you’ll feel an energy boost. However, this will be short-term only, and before long you’ll be feeling sluggish and sleepy, and you’ll start looking for your next fix of carbohydrates. So, it’s better to eat a healthy breakfast that contains protein and complex carbohydrates to keep your body running efficiently. Consider eating foods such as eggs and wholegrain bread or cereals.

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At lunchtime and throughout the day, stick to healthy food options such as fruits, vegetables, and protein snacks. They’ll sustain your energy without the negative side effects of unhealthy carbohydrates. If you go to the opposite end of the spectrum and you don’t eat enough food, you’ll be kept awake at night by your growling stomach and your brain sending emergency messages to your body that it needs more food.

The timing of your evening meal is crucial. If you eat too close to bedtime, you could get indigestion which will affect your ability to sleep. But if you eat too early, you could go to bed hungry which also has a negative impact as stated above. Try to eat your main meal at least 2 hours prior to bedtime. If you feel hungry before going to bed, consider a light snack such as yogurt or non-acidic fruits.

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3. Your exercise patterns

People who take exercise every day report better sleep quality. Exercise is a proven stress reliever and tires the body’s muscles out leaving it in need of sleep. As few as 10 minutes of vigorous exercise is enough to get you some quality sleep, although it is advisable to aim for the standard minimum of 30 minutes.

Some people prefer to exercise early in the morning, whereas others prefer going to the gym or for a walk after work in the evening. There are even those who prefer to do both. A lot of people believe that exercising in the evening can have a negative impact on your sleep patterns. This is not necessarily true as it depends on the individual.

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The case for evening exercise is that it stimulates an increase in the body’s temperature. After a few hours, when the temperature has regulated itself, the body is left feeling tired which can give you a good night’s sleep. The case against evening exercise is that it releases feel-good endorphins into the system leaving you feeling revved up and alert. If you exercise too close to bedtime, these endorphins will render you incapable of getting quality sleep.

When you exercise and how it will affect your sleep cannot be predetermined. It will depend on you, your body, and your existing sleep patterns. It is suggested, however, that if you are waking up after having enough sleep feeling exhausted that you might want to change up the timing of your exercise program to see if it has an effect. But, as scientists note, Vitamin D can also affect your body’s quality of sleep, so try and take some of your exercises outdoors during the daytime in the sun.

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4. Your caffeine consumption

If your caffeine intake is too high or is not timed correctly, it can have a negative effect on the quality of your sleep. This will leave you feeling lethargic and listless, yet unable to sleep deeply or sleep at all. The short-term benefits of caffeine as a short-lived ‘pick me up’ are far outweighed by the longer-term sleep interruptions it can cause.

That’s not to say you must abandon your morning cup of coffee. It merely means that you must regulate how much caffeine you consume and when you consume it. Caffeine is not a dietary requirement although moderate use will have no appreciable long-term effects. As a stimulant, caffeine gives us an energy boost as it creates a raised level of alertness because it blocks the chemicals in the brain that induce sleep.

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The problem with caffeine is that while it produces a short-term heightened functioning of the body and brain, this does not last long. But caffeine remains behind in your bloodstream for hours. In fact, after 6 hours, only half the caffeine you have consumed will have left your body. This residual caffeine can continue to have a stimulating effect on the body and prevent you from falling asleep or going into a deep sleep.

Consider getting into the habit of moderate caffeine intake during the day, stopping well in advance of bedtime. Don’t associate caffeine only with coffee. It is present in many other substances such as tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks, and certain drugs. Make sure that you avoid all such foods and beverages in the hours leading up to turning your lights off to see if it makes a difference in how well you sleep.

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5. The light in your bedroom

When your bedroom is light, it prevents the body from producing sufficient quantities of melatonin which are hormones the body releases to induce sleep. While you might be able to fall asleep in front of the television or in a well-lit bedroom, you are not going to get quality sleep as you won’t go into a deep sleep state.

Many people prefer to go to sleep with a light or the television on, particularly when they must sleep alone. This can be caused by a subconscious fear of the dark. This is a real fear that can be perpetuated by a traumatic experience as far back as childhood trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which is prevalent among victims of abuse and servicemen and women. However, if over time, the sufferer can spend more time in the dark and lessen his/her fear of it, the better the quality of sleep they will get. They can lessen their anxiety about the dark by leaving a bathroom light on so that if they wake up, it’s not to pitch darkness.

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The reason it is so important to sleep in a darkened room is that the body’s sleep-wake pattern is dominated by light. Too much bright light can push the body’s sleep cycle back, meaning that you’ll fall asleep later. But it’s doubtful you’ll have the luxury of sleeping in later the next day because you must go to work.

The reason night shift workers often struggle to sleep during the day is that the body is programmed to be awake in the light and asleep in the dark. The room they sleep in must be as dark as possible, and they should use blackout curtains to help them sleep.

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6. The temperature of your room

Whether too hot or too cold, the temperature of your room will affect how well you sleep. Human beings are thermo-regulators. This means that the body can control its own temperature. There are two types of body temperature in the human body. The core temperature relates to the brain and organs deep inside the body. The shell temperature is related to the skin.

The body regulates the shell temperature through the blood vessels at the skin’s surface. When it is too warm, the blood vessels dilate to cool the body’s temperature. The body may even perspire so that it can cool down further. When it is too warm, the blood vessels constrict, retaining the heat in the body. To fall asleep, your body temperature needs to decrease. If your room is too warm, it will be difficult for your body to regulate its temperature to the right levels for sleep.

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That’s not to say that you should set the thermostat right down in your room. If the room is too cold, the body cannot settle down to sleep because it is constantly trying to warm itself to prevent the core temperature from decreasing and you will doze rather than get into a state of deep sleep.

It is generally agreed that the temperature in a bedroom conducive to good sleep is 60-67 degree F. That means that in winter your bedroom thermostat setting may be different from other areas such as the living room and kitchen. It is worthwhile setting the temperature in your bedroom at the correct levels to see if it induces a better night’s sleep and leaves you feeling refreshed in the morning.

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7. The state of cleanliness of your bed linens

A lot of people tend to put washing their sheets and bed linen off as less important than other cleaning tasks. Stripping the bed and washing everything, then putting it or a different set back onto the bed can be a time-consuming task, especially if you’re working alone on a big bed. However, clean bedding really can contribute to a better night’s sleep.

The millions of skin cells you shed daily are not visible to the naked eye, but they are nevertheless there. Given the amount of time you spend in bed, it is reasonable to expect that they are there in huge numbers. Unfortunately, the presence of those skin cells is not as benign as we’d like to think. They attract dust mites, who find your discarded skin cells a delicacy, and with enough time, they’ll get themselves comfortably set up inside your mattress and pillows.

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Traces of your perspiration and oils from your body (mostly the face) are also present on your bedsheets. These areas are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that can make you ill. The crumbs you leave behind from breakfast in bed, or a late-night snack attracts insects such as ants and cockroaches. If you allow your pets on your bed, they can bring with them fleas and the remains of whatever they rolled on outside… The list is endless.

The upshot of it is that if your bed linen is dirty, it can affect how well you sleep. The mites, fleas, and other bed bugs that have been attracted to your unclean bed linen are active at night, and when they’re finished with the ‘treats’ on your bedsheets, they may move on to you next!

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8. Your cluttered house

A cluttered, disorganized bedroom can have an impact on how well you sleep at night. When your bed is covered with dirty laundry and plates from this morning’s breakfast, a good night’s sleep can be well-nigh impossible. Not only will it be uncomfortable, but the smell will be unappetizing, to say the least. The sound of insects scurrying about in your room feasting on the dirt will keep you awake.

Not everyone finds keeping their room clean a fun task and may put it low on their to-do list because they have conflicting priorities at work and simply don’t have the time. But the health implications alone should force you to look at it as a more serious task, even if it is a bit of a drag.

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Studies have shown that hoarders have a harder time falling asleep than their neat freak opposites and that they often complain of disturbed sleep. Hoarding is a condition where people feel compelled to keep things that others would consider junk and become anxious when they need to part with them. It could be that some of their decision-making to let go of their possessions is in part affected by the fact that they do not sleep well. Many don’t sleep in their beds for years due to the number of things they are hoarding.

If you’re a bit of a ‘clutter junkie,’ you could become a borderline hoarder. It’s hard to clean between clutter, which is why it should be avoided. Your bedroom is meant to be a sanctuary of peace and serenity, but this is not possible if it is disordered, untidy, and dirty. Keep your bedroom clean to ensure some quality sleep.

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9. Inconsistent sleep patterns

Inconsistency in your sleep pattern can leave you feeling sleep deprived and grouchy. Some people calculate roughly how much sleep they need to get on a weekly basis. Then they sleep very little during the week in the knowledge that they’ll ‘catch up’ on the weekend. This type of inconsistent sleep-wake pattern will leave you exhausted no matter how much you sleep.

It is important to set parameters of time between which you go to bed and get up the following morning. So, you can decide that you’ll go to bed between 21:30 and 22:30, and that you’ll wake up between 06:30 and 07:30. That gives you a bit of time to play with if you must stay up a bit or if you get a chance to lie in. There are going to be times when you cannot stick to your bedtime and wake-up routine. But strive to stick to it as much as possible so that the number of hours you sleep is spread each night evenly.

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When you adopt an inconsistent sleep-wake pattern on a regular basis, you disrupt your body’s clock. Called the circadian rhythm, it works on a roughly 24-hour basis and tells our bodies when to sleep and when to wake up. Unfortunately, most of us have disrupted body clocks because we must go to work or school. But a healthier sleep pattern can help us begin to regain control of our body clocks.

Scientists have linked sustained severe interruptions to the body clock to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and a propensity for glucose intolerance and obesity. That just shows you that enough sleep is not a luxury, it is a necessary requirement for healthy living.

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10. Your pillows and mattress

If you’re not sleeping on the correct mattress and with the correct pillows, your sleep quality will be compromised. Mattresses and pillows don’t last forever, and they need to be replaced from time to time. You wouldn’t exercise on a rundown broken treadmill, so why would you sleep on a mattress and pillows that should have been replaced ages ago?

The National Sleep Foundation conducted a poll in 2011 and determined that 92% of people feel that a comfortable mattress is a large contributor to a good night’s sleep. While it may mean incurring some expense to replace these items, it will be worth it in the long run as you’ll get better quality sleep which is critical to your long-term health. When you sleep on a mattress and pillows that are ‘past their sell-by date,’ it causes your body discomfort. This will make you restless during your sleep, as your body tries to find a comfortable position to lie in. You’ll wake up in pain and most likely go back to bed again that night in pain.

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Your mattress and pillows will also be full of dust mites if you’ve had them for a long time regardless of your best efforts. These dust mites cause allergic reactions such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. So, you could say with confidence that you’re sick of your mattress (since it’s making you sick).

When you realize that it’s time to bid your old mattress and pillows a fond farewell, take your time shopping for replacements so that you get the right ones for you. What feels hard to you may feel soft to someone else. It depends on factors such as your weight and your perception of firmness.

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11. Depression

Depression goes far beyond feeling a little sad sometimes. It is the persistent feelings of hopelessness, disinterest, and sadness that characterize clinical depression. In addition to the emotional symptoms a depressed person presents, there are physical symptoms associated with the condition as well. These include changes in appetite, headaches, and changes in sleep patterns. When they go into a depression, some people sleep more, while others sleep a lot less. You can go from someone who always slept well to being someone who struggles with sleep.

Due to the emotional factors related to depression and the fact that so many sufferers also experience high levels of anxiety, a person with depression can sleep for an extended period and still wake up tired. During the initial stages, when treatment has not started, a person with depression may become sleep deprived even though they go to bed on time. They are listless and lethargic and tired all the time. The reason for this is that they do not get quality deep sleep because of the nature of the condition.

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Depression is not a temporary condition, and it won’t go away. A person with depression must be treated as soon as possible before their symptoms worsen. Often, however, it is difficult bordering on impossible for them to do this on their own. A support network is necessary.

Once in treatment with a mental healthcare professional, sleep patterns can be determined, and treatments for insomnia (not being able to sleep) and hypersomnia (sleeping too much) can be incorporated into the process of addressing depression. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy and medications such as anti-depressants. If deemed necessary, sleeping medication may be prescribed. Once a depressed person is being treated successfully, they can get adequate sleep which in turn helps them to feel better.

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12. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This condition is characterized by persistent fatigue that lasts for six months or longer. A person with the condition may also experience problems remembering things, trouble concentrating, and unexplained headaches and muscle pains. The quality of life of the patient is affected because they are too tired to perform their daily activities. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is also known as myalgic encephalopathy (ME). Despite the high levels of exhaustion, many CFS sufferers struggle with sleep and wake up each day feeling tired.

The condition is hard to diagnose as there is no test for it. Often it is diagnosed after a process of elimination and the correlation of a set of symptoms that indicate CFS. The causes of CFS are not clear, but it has in recent years become more prevalent.

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CFS sufferers have interrupted sleep. They have what is referred to as non-restorative sleep (sleep that leaves them feeling tired), and often find it difficult to stay asleep, frequently waking during the night. As a result, they are sleepy during the day. They may also experience bouts of insomnia.

One theory about the struggles CFS sufferers have with sleep is the amount of pain they’re in. It is sometimes obstructive to sleep because the pain is so severe that the person cannot sleep deeply and get quality sleep. There is no quick fix for CFS, and many patients develop depression symptoms as they reach a state of hopelessness about their condition. Treatment for CFS and its accompanying pain symptoms is quite complicated, but sufferers are advised to change their daily routines, take gentle exercise whenever possible, and learn better sleep habits to ensure they do everything they can to get a good night’s sleep.

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13. Anemia

Anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body. The most common forms of anemia are associated with a lack of iron in the body. A simple blood test can determine if a person has enough iron in their system or not. A person with anemia will feel exhausted and run down all the time, no matter how much sleep they get. They will also lack the energy to exercise and feel dizzy.

Iron-deficiency anemia is fairly common as people do not get enough iron in their diets. It is prevalent amongst women and girls according to studies conducted. Red meat is rich in iron as is broccoli, among others. If a person does not get enough iron in their diet, the levels become depleted to the point that there is a deficiency. A doctor prescribes an iron-rich diet and iron supplements. It is better not to self-medicate for iron-deficiency anemia as you can overdose on iron.

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A person with anemia can experience heart palpitations, headaches, sores on the tongue or in the mouth, and shortness of breath among others. All of these may affect their ability to sleep. So, a person with anemia may have trouble going to sleep, trouble staying asleep, or trouble getting quality sleep. Whichever way the anemia sufferer is affected, the lack of sleep will contribute to their tiredness.

As soon as iron-deficient anemia is diagnosed and treated, the sufferer will start to see the symptoms lessen in their severity. This means that they should be able to return to their normal sleeping pattern, and with enough iron in their systems, they will no longer wake up feeling so tired anymore.

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14. Sleep apnea

While sleep apnea is quite common, it is not a sleep disorder that is often discussed. It is a potentially serious condition. When a person has sleep apnea, they briefly stop breathing several times in the night. They experience choking as well. This happens because the muscles in their upper airway relax or because tissue in the back of the throat collapses. Because of gravity, the tongue falls back against the throat which stops breathing or limits the amount of oxygen getting into the body. It happens when the person is sleeping on their back.

Each time the breathing is interrupted by sleep apnea the oxygen supply to the body. It can lead to stroke, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, and diabetes. What makes sleep apnea have an impact on your sleep quality is that each time you have a breathing interruption you are woken from a deep sleep even though you may not be aware of it. This constant disruption prevents you from getting enough deep sleep which will make you wake up tired even though you’ve slept for a sufficient time.

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Symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, and waking frequently during the night. One of the key factors that can cause sleep apnea is obesity.

Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, the patient is advised to lose weight if they are obese. They may be prescribed a device for their mouth to prevent the obstruction. This works in most cases of sleep apnea. More severe cases require further medical intervention. When there has been an intervention for a person with sleep apnea, their sleep quality improves and that allows them to wake up from a good night’s sleep refreshed and invigorated.

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15. Stress

Stress is a reality of everyday life. There is good stress and bad stress. Good stress motivates you, whereas bad stress brings you down. Conflict, pressure in the workplace, and problems in personal relationships are only some of the causes of stress. It is inevitable that we experience stress at times, but the way in which we cope with it can have a huge impact on our health.

One of the first functions to suffer when you’re experiencing stress is sleep. You’re so focused on the issues that are causing your stress that you cannot get your brain to shut down at night. You’ll lie in bed anticipating the next day at work, replaying an argument with a friend over again, or wondering how you’re going to pay all your bills at the end of the month. While your mind is racing, so is your pulse. Your heart rate needs to slow down if you want to get some sleep, but your stress is preventing this.

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When you finally fall asleep, the things that are stressing you out remain in your subconscious mind, and you tend to dream very vividly about them. Often these dreams will wake you up sweating with your heart racing. Then the cycle of lying awake and thinking about your problems starts all over again. Consequently, you are not getting the quality deep sleep you need to wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.

There is no medical treatment for day-to-day stress. It is important that you learn to manage your stress so that it doesn’t affect your sleep and overall health. You can learn relaxation techniques, meditation and yoga to help you process the feelings of stress. You can also go for therapy to help you manage your relationships better so that they don’t result in stress and sleeplessness.

Fitness

20 Daily Exercises For Hip, Knee and Foot Problems

If you are experiencing leg pain from your hip to your foot, it may be because you’re not moving your joints enough. When you’ve been sitting… Simi - June 5, 2018

If you are experiencing leg pain from your hip to your foot, it may be because you’re not moving your joints enough. When you’ve been sitting for hours, the first thing you want to do when you get up is stretch. Your body is meant to move, and when it doesn’t, joint stiffness, swollen feet, and pain may be the result.

Another cause of foot, knee and hip problems is bad posture. When your upper and lower body is not aligned, your weight distributes unevenly. This puts too much pressure on your lower extremities when you move. The nerves controlling the lower extremities begin in the lower back. This is why lower back problems often result in pain that radiates down to your feet.

When your nerves are compressed, you may experience tingling, numbness and weakness, as well as pain in your lower extremities. When one muscle or joint in the body moves, a chain reaction occurs in the associated muscles and joints. Poor posture, inactivity due to injury or lack of motion not only causes pain in affected muscles or joints, but creates discomfort in others, too.

Therefore, if your hips are weak, your knees are at a higher risk of injury. But before resorting to medication, try doing daily exercises. The regular use of medication has unwanted side effects. For example, the frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen and Advil can even cause kidney, liver and stomach damage.

Exercise can strengthen your posture and move your joints and muscles fluidly again to deal with the pain. If you get your body moving with the right exercises, you could even save yourself from a knee or hip replacement when you’re older.

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1. Kneeling Hip Stretch, Pelvic Lift and Hip Rotation

Your hips form the junction between upper and lower body. If the hips are strong, they move smoothly and efficiently. They have some large muscle groups that create motion throughout your body. When the hips are weak, pain, deficiency in movement and even injury can result. Imagine not being able to walk, bend or climb stairs. That’s what can happen when hip flexors are neglected.

Simple hip stretching exercises can help you to avoid this. For a kneeling hip stretch, kneel on your right knee with your toes down and your left foot in front with the knee bent. Place your hands on your left thigh and press your hips forward until you feel the tension in your front right hip. Hold the position for 30 seconds, Switch legs.

To strengthen and stabilize your hips do the following exercise. Lie on your back, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Your feet should be hip-width apart. Contract your abs to flatten your lower back to the floor. Exhale and lift your pelvis and lower back off the floor, pressing the heels into the floor for added stability. Hold the position for five seconds and lower slowly to starting position. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

External hip rotation is a good stretching exercise. Sit with your knees bent outward and your feet together. Use your hands to press your knees down to the floor. Alternatively, you can lie down on your back and part your knees while keeping your feet together. Move your knees further apart to the point where you can feel the stretch, hold for about 10 seconds and relax. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

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2. Neutral Pelvic Tilts and Posterior Pelvic Tilt

The hips and pelvis have a great deal to do with balance and mobility. A tilted pelvis can cause discomfort in many ways. Anterior pelvic tilt is when your pelvis tilts forward from your spine, and your glutes push out backward. A slight tilt forward is common, but pain and other issues can occur if the angle of the tilt goes beyond ten degrees from the spine.

Kneel on your hands and knees and then sit back onto your heels and relax down. This rounds the lumbar area and stretches it out. Get up into a half-kneeling position. Squeeze your glutes, pull in your abs to get into a neutral pelvic position and slowly go forward for five seconds and then relax. This action stretches out the hip flexors that are often tight with an anterior pelvic tilt. Repeat on the other side.

Kneel on your hands and knees with your hands directly underneath your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Straighten your arms without locking your shoulders. Exhale and tilt your pelvis backward, rounding your lower back. Inhale and tilt your pelvis forward, arching your back slightly. If your back isn’t rounded or arched, it is in a neutral position. Don’t let your head to drop below the level of your spine during the exercise.

Stand up, squeeze your glutes, and pull in your abs to create a posterior pelvic tilt. Go really slowly back on one knee with the other one bent at a 90-degree angle without losing the tilt. Keep the posture locked in and exchange knees. This causes integration of the change in posture into a functional movement. Repeat 10 times. When you want to change posture and mobility, you need to do these exercises on a daily basis. It doesn’t happen overnight.

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3. Standing Glute Squeeze and Chair Glute Squeeze

If your glute muscles are toned, your knees are less stressed. Some quick, simple exercises can be done to strengthen your glutes. A simple exercise is to stand and rest a hand on a piece of furniture for support. Lift your right foot up towards your glutes. Hold it there for about five seconds. Repeat with the other foot.

Another exercise is to stand with your legs apart, Squeeze your glutes tightly for five seconds and release. A slightly more difficult exercise is to start in a wide squat position and push off the ball of your right foot. Squeeze and contract your whole leg. Hold for five seconds and repeat.

Start with your legs apart. Lift your right leg behind you about six inches off the floor and at a 45-degree angle. Point your toe and squeeze your glutes for five seconds. Repeat on the left side. Now stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your right leg to a 45-degree angle. Cross it in front of your body and point your toe. Hold for four seconds and repeat on the other side.

Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor. Make your hands into fists and put them in between your legs. Squeeze your legs inwards for five seconds and resist with your fists. Now move your hands and place them on the outside of your thighs. Push your legs outwards and resist with your hands. Hold for a few seconds and release.

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4. Double Leg Bend, Leg Plié and Leg Swings

Sedentary work and lack of physical exercise can cause swelling, pain and a feeling of tiredness in the legs. Thigh exercises are very useful for relieving these symptoms. It might seem contradictory, but the more you walk, the less likely you are to suffer from these symptoms. Half an hour of walking three times a week is enough to keep the blood flowing and prevent problems.

Toning the front part of the thighs: Lie on your back with your arms by your side. Raise your legs to a 90-degree angle with your body. Do not bend your knees. Bend your knees one by one and then return to the initial position with your knees as straight as possible. Keep your knees together and the front part of your thighs tensed while performing the exercise. Repeat 20 times.

Toning your inner thighs: Lie on your back, raise your legs and cross your right leg over the left one. Keep both legs tensed and press them against each other. Bend your knees toward the sides making a “plié” movement and return to your starting position. Repeat 10 times with the right leg in the upper position and another 10 times with the left leg in the upper position.

Toning the back of your thighs: This is a two-part exercise. Lie on your back with your legs raised and your knees together. Bend the left and the right knee, one by one, and with your toes pulled in towards your body. Repeat 10 times. For the second part of the exercise, lie on your back with your legs raised, and your knees slightly bent. Swing each leg, keeping your buttocks raised and thighs tensed. Repeat 20 times.

Also Check: How to Tone Your Hips and Thighs Naturally?

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5. Single Leg Quad Activation, Knee Rolls and Standing Knee Lifts

Pain in the knees is a very common complaint. Many factors play into this such as excessive impact over time, too much body weight, muscular imbalance, and age. If you have knee pain, it affects the full range of motion in the knee, and you have to work on getting it back. When doing knee exercises, never bend to the point where your knees stick out beyond your toes. Doing knee exercises with bad form can do more damage than good.

Single Leg Quad Activation: Sit down on the floor and keep your back straight. Extend your left leg and put a rolled-up towel under the left knee. Keep your toe pointed at your shin and contract your thigh muscle. Push the back of the knee into the rolled-up towel at the same time. Hold the position for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. Switch to the opposite leg and repeat.

Knee rolls: Stand with your feet together. Bend over and place a hand on each kneecap. Circle both knees together round in a circle. Circle to the right five times and to the left five times. These rolls help the hips as well as the knees and work all the muscles surrounding the joints to give more stability.

Standing knee lifts with extensions: Stand up against a wall and keep your arms by your sides. Lift the right leg up and bend the knee to a 90-degree angle at the hip and knee joints (tabletop position). Extend the leg forward and bend back into the tabletop position. Do this 10 times and switch to the other leg. You can also do this exercise lying on the floor and doing the same bend and extend.

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6. Single Leg Calf Raises, Calf Stretches and Hand Walks

Your calves play a key role in your movement. If your calves are weak, you are prone to ankle injuries because the calf muscles are responsible for extending the ankle.

Single leg calf raises: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Raise your left knee to hip level with your toes pointed, keeping your hands on your hips. Lift your right heel as high as you can off the floor. Hold for three seconds and lower the heel back down again. Repeat on the other side. This exercise works on your ankles, your heels and the muscles around the knee. If you are stronger and have no ankle pain, you can perform this exercise standing on a step, with your heels extending off of the edge. If you are standing, make sure you have something nearby, such as a wall or railing, to hold for balance.

Calf stretch: This simple move stretches the calf and improves ankle flexibility – both key for everyday life. Stand in a split stance and lean forward against a wall or some other support. Your feet should be pointing straight ahead. Sit back on your heels to stretch the calves, hold for a few seconds and release. Do two sets of 10 reps on each side, taking a 30-second rest between sets.

Hand walks: This exercise strengthens and stretches the calf muscles while also working the hamstrings and lower back. Start with your legs straight and your hands on the floor. Keep your legs straight and walk your hands out. Then walk your feet back up to your hands, making sure your legs are straight. Take baby steps, so you’re using your ankles and not your hips or knees.

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7. Toe Drag Stretch, Kneeling Shin Stretch and Lying Shin Stretch

The shin is the muscle at the front of your lower leg. It flexes the foot upwards and controls it as it lowers back to the ground. This muscle gets a workout when walking, running and playing sports like basketball and tennis, which involve many little sprints. It can be difficult to stretch the shin muscle because of where it is placed.

Toe drag stretch: Stand up and use a hand on a wall or another support for balance. Bend both knees slightly. With one foot remaining on the ground, place the other foot just behind the stable foot with the toe touching the ground. Keep your toe firmly on the ground and pull the leg forward. You should feel the stretch from the top of the legs through the shins. Hold it for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat the stretch with the other foot.

Kneeling shin stretch: This stretch works best when seated in a desk chair where you can put your leg under and behind you. Drop your knee towards the ground with the toe of your foot extended into the ground. Gently pull forward and hold for 15 to 20 seconds. Repeat for each foot.

Lying shin stretch: Lie on your left side with your knee bent on the upper leg, so your right foot is behind your back. Grab the right foot by reaching back. Pull it towards your back and hold for 15 to 20 seconds. Now turn on to your right side with your knee bent and your left foot behind your back. Grab your left foot, pull and hold. Tight shins and shin pain can prevent you from enjoying walking, running and other sports. Rest and recovery are important. If you are experiencing shin pain, ease back into activity and make sure you warm up before any vigorous exercise.

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8. Ankle Stretch, Balance Challenge and Band Resistance

When you run or jump, the ankle and surrounding muscles are put under stress. If the ankles are strong, they can withstand greater stress. Strengthening the ankles can prevent injury. Tight and restricted ankles cause the body to compensate, resulting in muscle pain. The simplest exercise you can do to work on your ankles is to sit down, raise one leg and slowly rotate your foot in a circular motion. Repeat this 10 times circling each foot inwards and then outwards.

To work on weak ankle, you can use a towel. Tie the towel in a loop around a solid piece of furniture. Place one leg under the other and bend slightly at the knee. Use the leg on top and hook the top of the foot into the towel loop. Make sure it’s on the ball of the foot, not just the toes. Slowly pull on the towel loop and bend your foot towards your head. Repeat 10 times with each leg.

Standing balance: Ankles are injured more often when people do not have good posture and balance. Balancing on one leg helps to strengthen the muscles of the ankle and the calf. Try to balance on one leg for as long as possible, working up to 60 seconds on each leg. Do this once a day.

Challenge your balance: When you are able to balance without difficulty, you can make things more challenging. Tie a resistance band (you can buy one at any medical store) around an unmoving surface and slip the ball of one foot into the loop. Balance on your free leg and try to move the other leg forward and backward a few inches against the band’s resistance. This movement makes it more challenging for you to balance. Repeat 10 times and then move to the other side.

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9. Calf Stretch, Toe Stretch and Standing Heel Drop

If you’re active, you put pressure on your Achilles tendon, and you need to take care of it. It can usually withstand quite a bit of running and jumping, but overuse or not warming up properly can cause it to tear or rupture. You can also end up with tendonitis which is when the tendon becomes swollen or inflamed. There are a number of simple exercises that can be done to stretch the tendon.

Calf Stretch: Put your hands on a wall and keep one leg straight with the heel on the ground. Put the other leg with a bent knee in front of the straight leg. Push your hips forward toward the wall. Stretch your calf until you feel a strong pull without pain. Don’t let your heels come off the ground. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat 20 times on each foot in a slow, controlled way.

Toe Stretch: Sit on a chair. Stretch your toes upwards as high as you can without feeling any pain. Lower them slowly. Repeat 20 times. You can make it a little harder by pressing down on your thighs.

Standing Heel Drop: Stand at the edge of a stair and put the front part of one foot on the stair. Position it so that your heel can move up and down. Hold on to something to keep your balance. Slowly lift your heel and then lower it to the lowest point possible. Do this 20 times in a slow, controlled way. Repeat with the other foot.

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10. Point and Flex, Towel Foot Flex and Foot Massage

Just like any other part of your body, your heels can become painful. People who have flat feet often experience something called plantar fasciitis. As the plantar fascia stretches, tension is created at the point where it meets the heel. Damage to the plantar fascia can cause inflammation and pain. It tightens up during the night, and with your first step in the morning, you experience pain.

Sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Point and flex your toes together to get your muscles warmed up. Slowly point your toes down as far as you can and then flex them back. Repeat 10 times. This warms up the feet for the following exercise.

This exercise can be performed with a towel or belt. Sit with your feet out in front of you and wrap the towel or belt around the ball of one foot, grabbing it with one hand on each side of your leg. Sit up as straight as possible and use your arm strength to pull the ball of the foot into flex position without using your foot strength to do so. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Make sure the belt or towel is wrapped around the ball of the foot and not just the toes.

For those who battle with plantar fasciitis, some massage can help. Massage the sole of the foot, paying attention to the area near the heel. By massaging and stretching, you can prevent the plantar fascia ligament from being re-injured each morning, along with reducing your pain.

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11. Ball Moving, Tip-Toe Walk and Toe-Pointing

The ball of the foot is the portion of the sole between the arch and the toes. This is a common area where people develop pain, known as metatarsalgia. Certain diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and obesity may worsen the pain. Building up the balls of the feet with different exercises not only strengthens the arches but improves the ligaments in the feet.

You can feel the metatarsal bone by touching your toe and following the bone down the sole. Once you’re past the bone of the toe, you come to the metatarsal bone. When the metatarsal bones are injured or inflamed, they can cause intense pain in the ball of the foot. To relax and train the balls of your feet, find a ball, like a tennis ball or another ball of a similar size. Sit on a chair and place your foot on the ball. Slowly move the ball with your foot toward your toes and then backward.

Tip-toe walk: Walking on the tips of your toes helps to build up the balls of the feet and strengthen your arches. It can help to reduce the effects of flat feet. Stand in place on your tip toes for about 50 seconds. Now walk forward, backward and sideways on tiptoes, gradually increasing the duration. Do these exercises every second day until your foot strength improves, and you can do them daily.

Range of motion: Moving your feet through a range of motion builds up the balls of the feet. Sit on a high stool so that your legs hang and your feet are off the floor. Point your toes down and try to draw your full name, using your big toe as your pencil. Do this with one foot and then the other.

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12. Pick up the Pencil, Marble Game and Toe Wiggling

The toes are not given much thought when it comes to physical activity but the toes, especially the big toes, help you to balance. If you have trouble balancing on one foot or feel that your push-off requires more power, you can do some exercises to increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion of the toes.

You can find items to use for toe exercises all around you such as a book, a pencil or some marbles. Sit in a chair and place a pencil on the floor by your foot. With your heel on the ground, pick up the pencil by curling your toes around it. Another exercise is to place your foot on top of a book with your toes dangling off the edge. Bend your toes down toward the floor and keep them in this position for five seconds. Release and repeat.

Marble game: Place ten marbles on the floor next to your right foot while sitting in a chair. Pick up the marbles one by one using the toes of your right foot and drop them into a container. Repeat with the left foot.

Toe wiggling: Wiggle the toes around and warm toes up before doing any other exercises. Stretch your big toes after exercising by pulling them up with your hands towards your body.

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13. Hamstring stretch, dumbbell calf raise, resistance band hip raise

People frequently complain that they can’t do certain knee exercises because they have painful knees. The reason their knees may be painful in the first place is due to a lack of exercise. The pain is often caused by inflexibility and an imbalance in the muscles surrounding the knees, such as the hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps. Strengthening and stretching activities that target these long muscles keep them in shape so they can help to keep your knees pain-free.

Standing hamstring stretch: Place your right foot on top of a low step and keep your leg straight. Keep your left leg directly under your left hip. With arms on your hips, bend forward at your hips until you feel the stretch in the back of your right thigh. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch legs and do the same. This is one rep. Do 15 reps.

Dumbbell calf raises: Hold a dumbbell in your right hand and place the front of your right foot on a weight plate with heel off the plate. Wrap your left leg behind your right leg and press into the ball of your right foot to raise yourself onto your toes. Pause for two seconds and then lower down. This is one rep. Do 15.

Resistance Band Hip raise: Lie on the ground and place a resistance band just above your knees. Keep your feet on the floor, bend your knees and place your arms out to the sides with palms up. Put tension on the resistance band by pressing your knees outwards. Lift your hips to form a straight line between your knees and your shoulders. Pause for 2 seconds and lower them back down. This is on rep. Do 15.

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14. Standing glute pulse, sit-to-stand and seated leg extension

To strengthen the muscles around the knees, it’s essential to do the appropriate exercises but also to find the right repetition range. You want to increase the strength of your muscles and promote the flow of blood and synovial fluid, but you don’t want to challenge the muscles so much that you create more pain. If your repetition range is too strenuous, you may have to reduce it. People with knee problems often do not want to do floor exercises. Here are some that can be done while standing or sitting.

Standing glute pulse: Stand on your right leg, engage your right glute muscle and keep your right knee in line with the middle toe of your right foot. Keep your left leg straight and pulse it backward at a 45-degree angle. Do this 15 times and then repeat with the right leg.

Sit to stand: Seat yourself on a reasonably high chair. Keep your feet hip distance apart and your knees in line with your middle toes. Do not use your hands to raise yourself from the chair. Engage your core, glutes, and thighs to stand up and then sit back down slowly keeping those muscles engaged. Start with five reps and then progress to 10 reps as you get stronger. Choose a lower chair for more of a challenge.

Seated leg extension: Sit tall and place your right hand on the inside of your right knee. Straighten your right leg out in front of you. Focus on engaging the muscles directly under your right hand. Point your right toe and bring it up again, feeling your calf muscle stretch. Repeat with the left leg. Do five reps and progress to ten.

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15. Quad leg lifts, hamstring flossing, and wall squats

Your knees have the difficult job of supporting much of your weight. Strong quadriceps help to strengthen your knees. Try not to exercise the same muscle groups two days in a row. Female athletes are evidently up to eight times more likely to sustain knee injuries than male athletes, possibly due to the way they react to fatigue. If your knees are not at their best, do a few strengthening exercises that put little pressure on the knees.

Quad leg lifts: Lie on your back on the floor. Bend one knee to a 90-degree angle. Keep the other leg straight and lift it slowly until it is parallel with the bent knee and hold for 30 seconds. Return it slowly to the floor. Perform this ten times and then repeat with the opposite leg, working up to 10 repetitions.

Hamstring flossing: The hamstring muscles can cause knee pain in the rear portion of the knee. Get hold of a tennis ball and sit on a box of about mid-thigh-high height. Place the ball under a leg, firmly on the hamstring muscle. Apply pressure to the muscle as you extend and bend the leg. Allow the ball to go up and down the leg as you continue extending and bending. Spend a minute on each leg.

Wall squats: Stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your feet flat on the floor and slowly bend your knees, keeping your back and pelvis flat against the wall. Hold for 10 seconds. Don’t bend too deeply and change your position if you feel any knee discomfort. Repeat and try to hold the squat for a little longer each time.

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16. Side leg raises, leg presses and knee extensions

When you do leg exercises, you should never feel pain in your knees. You may feel muscle soreness after a hard workout, and this is quite normal. However, shooting or stabbing pain is cause for concern. Instead skip the intense aerobics, running and other high-impact activities if you have any concerns about your knees. Try water aerobics or gentle exercises that don’t put too much pressure on the knees instead.

Side leg raises: Lie on your one side. Bend your bottom leg for support and then straighten the top leg, raising it to 45 degrees. Point the toe of your leg slightly toward the floor as you raise it. Hold it for five seconds before lowering and relaxing it. Repeat 10-15 times and then switch sides.

Leg Presses: Sit on a leg-press machine. Place your back and head against the support. Make sure you’re comfortable and that your feet are flat on the footplate. Slowly push the plate away from you, extending your legs. Bend your knees and go back to your starting position. Increase your repetitions as you become stronger.

Knee extensions: Loop an exercise band around a strong base and then step into the band with one leg. Place the band just above the top of the knee. Walk out to create tension in the band. After this, bend and extend the knee. Try to focus on contracting the quad and straightening the knee. Perform for 20 reps on each side. This exercise causes the blood to rush to the area and helps it to heal.

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17. Calf raises with external and internal rotation, heel walks

The stronger and more flexible your ankles, the higher your chances of avoiding injury whether it’s while exercising or doing daily activities such as running for a bus. Exercising your ankles for just a few minutes on a regular basis will keep strains and other ankle problems at bay.

Calf raises with external rotation: The angle of the feet is changed in this exercise as the legs are rotated outwards. The position arches the foot, and a strong arch stops the ankle from rolling backward. While standing, keep your heels together and turn the front of your feet outwards, so your thighs are externally rotated. Now raise your heels until you are on tiptoes. Lower them back down to the ground and repeat 20 times.

Calf raises with internal rotation: Stand up straight and position your feet hip-width apart. Now rotate at your hip joints and turn the fronts of your feet inwards until they are almost touching. Raise your heels slowly until you are on tiptoes. Lower them back down again and repeat 20 times.

Heel walks: This strengthens the muscles that support the front of the ankle. Lift both of your feet so that you are standing on your heels. Your toes should be off the ground and pointed forward. Walk forward, taking 20 small steps. Turn around and walk back to your starting position.

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18. Alphabet Ankles, Toe Taps, and ankle rolls

The stronger and more flexible your ankles, the higher your chances of avoiding injury whether it’s while exercising or doing daily activities such as running for a bus. Exercising your ankles for just a few minutes on a regular basis will keep strains and other ankle problems at bay. Stretching and rolling the ankles can significantly improve their strength and you can do these exercises easily at any time without any specialized equipment. You don’t realize how much you use your ankles until one of them is out of action.

Alphabet ankles: Use your ankle to ‘write’ the letters of the alphabet. Sit down and cross your right leg over your left leg with resting the middle of your right calf on your left thigh. Now use your big toe as a writing implement. Move your foot from the ankle to trace out the letters of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. Cross your legs over the other way and repeat.

Toe taps: Sit in a chair with a straight back. Keep your heels flat on the floor and tap your toes up and down. Tap the toes of the one foot up and down for about a minute and then move on to the other foot. Work at increasing the time and speed of the taps. The benefit of this simple exercise is that you can do it while you’re sitting at your computer.

Ankle rolls: This is another exercise you can quickly perform while sitting anywhere. You can also do it from a standing position. While sitting in a chair or standing, slowly roll your one ankle in big circles, rotating it clockwise. Switch to the other ankle and perform the same movement in a counterclockwise direction.

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19. Toe and heel stretch, Achilles stretch and Toe Curls

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It’s the inflammation of the ligament that runs under the soles and connects the heel with the front of the foot. When the heel comes under repeated stress, it causes tears in the tissue and inflammation develops. High-impact sports and even wearing high heels often can cause inflammation. Standing or walking for too long can also cause it.

Toe and heel stretch: Sit cross-legged at the end of the bed. Place the affected foot over the knee of the other leg and grab the heel with one hand and the toes with the other. Pull up on the toes and the heel at the same time to stretch the fascia. You should feel the stretch along the bottom of your foot. Hold it for 10 seconds and massage the foot at the same time. Relax the foot and then repeat 20 times.

Achilles stretch: The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscle. Face a wall, raise your arms and place your palms flat against the wall. Place one foot back and keep the knee straight. Bend the other leg and keep both heels flat on the floor. Push your hips forward until you can feel the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and switch sides.

Toe curls: Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Now raise your heels and point your toes. Only the tips of the big and second toe should still be resting on the floor. Hold for five seconds before lowering. Now raise your heels and curl your toes inwards, holding this position for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.

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20. Short Foot, Toe Spreading, and Frozen Golf Ball Massage

Working on your feet and your toes can benefit your posture, stability, and toe alignment. It can increase the blood flow to the feet and strengthen the foot muscles and decrease the risk of injuries. Even walking on sand gives your feet a workout. Your muscles have to work to gain traction because it’s harder to walk on than a hard surface. Walking around in sand can lead to better foot positioning and balance.

Short foot: This exercise works the core muscles of your foot and strengthens your arch muscles if it is done correctly. To do this exercise, pull all the toes of one foot down and in without leaving the ground. Contract the arch muscles for 3 seconds and release. Repeat with the other foot. One of the main benefits of this exercise is that it can be done anywhere at any time, whether sitting at a desk or waiting for an elevator.

Toe Spreading: Do this exercise regularly, and you will be able to spread your toes as quickly as your fingers. Put your big toe on the ground, press it into the ground and rotate your heel inwards. Press your pinky toe down into the ground, and all your toes should be fanned out, leaving gaps between them. Now bring your heel back down. Repeat three times a day three times a week.

Frozen golf ball massage: Once you’ve completed some basic foot exercises, treat your hardworking feet to a massage. Pop a golf ball into the freezer for a few hours. Sit down and roll the icy ball under your feet. It will get to the tiny muscles of the feet and give you a deep massage.

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