Yoga is a great way to strengthen your body while increasing your flexibility.  Strength and flexibility can help to alleviate many of the aches and pains that we attribute to ‘age’.  As creatures of habit, the same activities that make up your daily routine are the same ones that cause tightness in muscles.  Your normal tasks probably don’t require you to extend your muscles to lengths that stretch.   If your muscles are never extended they may begin to shorten or contract.  These contractions or muscle tightness can in turn exacerbate small abnormalities in your body structure.  This combination can lead to aches, pains, and at the worst an inability to function.  

 Some of the most common ailments seen in our office involve muscle tightness or injury that occurs from too much stress on tightened muscles and ligaments. Depending on the extent of injury or ailment a variety of treatments can be utilized.  Part of the treatment regime for many of these problems involves a stretching routine.  Typically, these foot problems require stretching the muscles and tendons of your leg to maintain long-term relief.  If you think about your feet as the base of your body, the first thing to take the brunt of every step or heel strike, it is not difficult to translate those stresses into pains in your legs, knees, or back. 

Yoga is a great activity to start for your general health and prevention of the pains and strains that occur from tightened muscles.  This can especially be true for your feet.  Muscles and tendons from your knee down insert into your foot and will benefit greatly from the many yoga positions that aim to strengthen and stretch them.  Many yogis refer to your feet as the ‘roots’ of your body.  Some even offer classes that focus on your feet by strengthening and stretching the muscles that affect it.  There are many locations throughout Austin to get you started.  Give your feet a little extra attention and the rest of your body will thank you.

 Until next time, use a little yoga to keep those feet happy and healthy, Austin!

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

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