Arthritis is a condition in which your joints become inflamed, according to MayoClinic.com. If you suffer from arthritis in your feet, you may experience stiffness or pain in your ankle and toe joints. If you think you may have arthritic feet, see a doctor. He may prescribe medication as well as lifestyle changes, such as gentle yoga exercises, to relieve your discomfort.
Benefits
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center website states that physical activity is important in the treatment of arthritis. If you have arthritic feet, consider beginning a yoga practice to relieve your symptoms. Yoga can increase your energy levels and reduce the aches and pains associated with arthritis. Practicing yoga can help realign your arthritic joints and reduce pressure on the joints in your feet. Starting a yoga routine can improve your posture and increase the range of motion in your swollen foot joints.
Sample Exercises
Add yogic ankle exercises to your daily routine to reduce arthritis pain in your feet. Perform ankle bends by sitting on the floor with your legs outstretched in front of you. Starting with your right foot, exhale and flex your foot and bring your toes back to point toward your face. Inhale and point your right foot, aiming to point your toes down toward the floor. Repeat eight times, then perform the stretch on your left side.
Try ankle rotations to reduce foot arthritis discomfort. Sitting with your legs in front of you, flex your right foot. Rotate your ankle in a clockwise direction 10 times, then rotate your ankle counterclockwise 10 times. Repeat with your left foot.
Potential
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center website states that sticking with an exercise routine is an important step in treating arthritis. Consider trying yoga, especially if you traditionally don't enjoy other forms of exercise. It's important to find a form of exercise that you like and will continue to practice over the long term to effectively treat your arthritis. Yoga tends to increase positive feelings, preventing you from feeling frustrated with a chronic illness, such as foot arthritis.
Considerations
Take a yoga class to get important instruction that can help gear your yoga practice toward treating your arthritis. Let your instructor know that you have arthritis in your feet before class starts. She will be able to show you modifications or yoga props that you can use to prevent pain and best address your stiff joints.
Caution
Don't overdo it. Yoga can be a demanding form of physical exercise. Stop exercising before you become fatigued. If you feel sudden or severe pain in your feet, stop your yoga practice immediately and rest. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to injury.
