Wake Up Your Stiff Feet! Four Foot Exercises for Parkinson’s

Your ankles play a bigger role in balance than you might expect. Think of them as your body’s shock absorbers, helping you adjust to changes in the ground beneath your feet. Every time you walk, turn, or shift your weight, your ankles make small adjustments to help keep you steady.

Good ankle mobility allows your body to absorb impact, adapt to uneven surfaces, and respond when your balance is challenged. When ankles become stiff, however, those natural adjustments become more difficult, potentially increasing the risk of losing your balance.

For people living with Parkinson’s disease, keeping the ankles moving is especially important. Stiffness, rigidity, and reduced movement can limit ankle flexibility, making walking and balance more challenging.

The good news? Simple exercises like mobilizing the toes, toe raises, heel raises, and heel-toe rocks can help maintain mobility and encourage better awareness of your feet. Think of it as keeping your body’s shock absorbers in good working order!

A little ankle movement every day can go a long way toward supporting steadier steps and more confident movement. Watch this week’s video to learn four simple foot and ankle exercises that will help you wake up your stiff feet!

For even more exercises like these, check out our specialized video course, “From Cramping Feet to Happy Feet.” This course will help you improve your foot and ankle dexterity with easy-to-follow exercises that you can do at home—or anywhere!

Your feet are your foundation for better balance. If you’re concerned about your balance and want to prevent falls, check out our five-week Balance Builders Academy. It works by offering small challenges and daily practice that yield big results! For more information, email Kimberly.

(Struggling with stiff hands, as well? Our online hand course – PD Exercises to Improve Hand Dexterity & Mobility – has all the tools you need to get your hands moving again.)

💜 Coach Kimberly