It's an epidemic! Nationwide, would-be exercisers are stowing their sneakers after weeks of declarations like, “This is the year I really push myself!”

Experts are tracing the outbreak to individuals who got off on the wrong foot -- literally. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, January resolutions make this the most painful month for tootsies.

Luckily, there's a cure. Just pull that foot out of your mouth and give it a stretch:

› Fortify your arch by rolling feet over a water bottle or tennis ball.

› Protect your ankles (we're looking at you, joggers and walkers) with this ankle stretch.

› Soothe heel pain by sitting barefoot, knees straight, and hooking a towel around toes. Pull the towel ends to you, hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other foot.

› Strengthen your hamstrings and increase balance with this pose.

› Ease stiletto soreness with this self-massage technique (those heels don't excuse you from a workout either!).

Now, time to hoof it to the gym!