Foot pain is one of the most common ailments — in fact, 20 percent of the U.S. population sees a medical professional for foot problems every year. One great way to avoid foot pain, especially if you work on your feet, is to get them strong and flexible with these exercises.

1. Foot Roll: Roll a tennis ball under each bare foot. Be sure to cover the entire surface of your sole. This massages your foot and keeps it flexible.

2. Toe Stretch: Stretch your toes away from each other as far as they will go, hold for a few seconds, and then relax.

3. Foot Curls: Curl your toes under and gently press the tops of your feet against the floor. Then, curl your toes upward while keeping the rest of your feet on the floor. This stretches out the top and bottom of each foot.

4. Big Toe Pull: Loop a rubber band around your big toes and gently pull your feet away from each other. Keep your feet straight and don’t rotate them toward each other from the ankles.

Your feet are one of your body’s hardest-working parts. Take care of them and they will thank you with a lifetime of painless service.