PODIATRIST RECOMMENDS CALF STRETCHES TO TREAT PLANTAR FASCIITIS
posted: Feb. 01, 2022.
According to experts, stretching your calves is actually a good way to address plantar fasciitis, even though the area you are working is seemingly unrelated to your foot pain. “While the plantar fascia mainly attaches at the bottom of the heel, some of the fibers run along the bottom and back towards the Achilles tendon,” Alan Bass, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association told Footwear News. “Stretching the Achilles tendon will allow the muscle to loosen and thus reduce tension on the plantar fascia.”
For those experiencing plantar fascia, rolling out the foot arch is one of the best ways to possibly feel some relief. While seated, some healthcare professionals recommend that you roll the arch of your foot back and forth over a cylindrical object like a frozen water bottle, a cold soda can, or a foam roller. Do this for about a minute on both feet. If you’d like, you can use a tennis ball or a golf ball instead. Though, there are some advantages to braving the cold. “[Rolling out your arch with a frozen bottle] not only helps massage the sore area but also reduces inflammation due to the cold temperature of the bottle,” Dr. Bass told Footwear News.
Source: Katie Dupere, Footwear News [1/29/22]
Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News