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While still sitting, put your feet together flat on the floor. Press your injured foot inward against your other foot.

Next, place the heel of your other foot on top of the injured one. Push down with the top heel while trying to push up with your injured foot.

Balance and control exercises

When you are able to stand without pain, you can begin balance and control exercises. You can start by standing in a doorway and lightly holding on to the doorjamb. When you can do this for 60 seconds, try adding the advanced moves in the next level.

See a picture of balance and control exercises .

Stand on your injured foot only and hold your arms:

• Out to the side with your eyes open.
• Across your chest with your eyes open.
• Out to the side and close your eyes.
• Across your chest and close your eyes.

Do six repetitions, holding each for 60 seconds, once a day.

Take good care of your feet

• Wear supportive footwear to prevent re-injuring your foot or ankle.
• Wear roomy footwear, especially if the front of your foot hurts.
• Consider using an orthotic shoe device, such as an arch support, to help relieve foot pain.
• Treat blisters to prevent an infection.

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Pain or swelling develops.
• Signs of infection develop.
• Numbness; tingling; or cool, pale skin develops.
• Symptoms do not improve with home treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.