The Issue: Foot pain and/or ankle swelling
Tight calves can reduce circulation in your lower legs. Gently stretching your calves not only soothes achy feet but also helps increase blood flow in your legs, aiding circulation and decreasing ankle swelling.
The Solution
Calf stretch
Place a rolled-up towel or yoga mat on the floor and stand facing it. Place the ball of one foot on the towel, and gently lower your heel to the floor. Take a few seconds to straighten both legs, keeping the thigh muscles relaxed. When you’re settled into this position, take a
small step forward with the other leg [shown]. To increase the stretch, continue to move the front foot forward. Switch legs and repeat.
Read more about this prenatal workout and how to tweak's your body's alignment for a pain-free pregnancy.
June/July 2011
