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You can learn exercises to improve the strength and flexibility in your injured foot and help prevent further injury. Start with a few minutes of light exercise, such as walking or riding a stationary bike. This will loosen your muscles and get blood flowing. Stretching exercises are a key step to restoring flexibility and range of motion. Following your doctor or therapist's recommended exercises, stretch the muscles and tendons in the injured foot. If you feel any pain during stretching, consult your doctor. A good example of a stretch is the towel stretch. Sitting on the floor with one leg straightened, loop a towel around the ball of your foot. Hold on to the ends of the towel and pull the top of your foot towards you. You should feel the stretch in your calf and down into the heel. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat the exercise 3 times. When done properly, strength exercises should help return the strength and endurance required for everyday activities to the injured foot. If you experience any pain during these exercises, consult your physical therapist or doctor. An example of a strength exercise is the marble pickup. Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the ground and put 20 marbles on the ground in front of you. Place a bowl near the marbles. Pick up the marbles one by one with your injured foot and place them into the bowl. You should feel the exercise on the top of your foot. It is important to keep up with your physical therapy to help you return to daily activities and reduce your chances of re-injury.
Go to physical therapy after the cast is removed, as advised by your doctor. Warm up at the beginning of each session. Stretch. Perform the appropriate strengthening exercises. Regularly perform the prescribed exercises.