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Stretch: Plantar fascia and calf

Stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles can increase flexibility and decrease heel pain. You can do this exercise several times each day and before and after activity.

  • Stand on a step as shown above. Be sure to hold on to the banister.
  • Slowly let your heels down over the edge of the step as you relax your calf muscles. You should feel a gentle stretch across the bottom of your foot and up the back of your leg to your knee.
  • Hold the stretch about 15 to 30 seconds, then tighten your calf muscle a little to bring your heel back up to the level of the step. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatric Surgery
Last Updated July 23, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 23, 2007
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