Are sore, achy feet keeping you from putting your best foot forward?

Instead of immediately seeking out extra-cushioned footwear or super-specialized shoe inserts, start with some foot exercises, says Irene Davis , a professor of physical therapy and rehab sciences at the University of South Florida.

"People have these amazing muscles in their feet," Davis says. "They actually have the ability to increase the strength and capacity of their feet, which can help with the pain."

In fact, regularly exercising your feet and ankles has been shown to reduce the risk of injury, prevent and alleviate pain and improve overall foot health, says Dr. Adam Tenforde , an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.

Foot care experts share six exercise

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