There are literally dozens of small muscles under the foot that are positioned in different layers and they all have unique roles in balance, power and protecting the foot.
Muscles Turn Off
With pain, limping and chronic injuries, the brain stops asking these small muscles to work as it is too painful. Even when the pain resolves, these muscles forget to be turned back on by the brain resulting in weakness, delayed healing and recurrent injury.
It is important to turn the muscles back on, build strength and provide protection for the structures of the foot with some simple exercises. This is the key to getting your foot functioning like before the injury.
Small and Interesting Exercises Often
The latest thinking is that lots of different little exercises performed often is a great way to build resilience.
Perform a different one of these four exercises every time you brush your teeth by doing 3 sets of up to 15 repetitions.