Both stretching and strengthening exercises form part of our step-by-step Plantar fasciitis rehabilitation program. In particular, stretching exercises are essential to fully recover from this painful cause of heel pain.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 4th Jan. 2022
The Plantar fasciitis rehab program comprises five phases. Phase 1
In the early stages of treatment, the focus is on rest. Specifically, your aim is to reduce pain and inflammation. However, there are still a number of Plantar fasciitis exercises you can still do.
Why are stretching exercises important for treating Plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis heel pain is worse when your plantar fascia and calf muscles are tight. The most common symptom is heel pain, which is worse first thing in the morning. This is because your plantar fascia and calf muscles tighten up overnight while you are asleep. You probably won’t notice them tightening up unless you wear a night sock or splint which helps prevent it.
As your foot warms up and the tissues loosen, your pain diminishes, only to return again later in the day. Therefore, one of the key things to work on to prevent heel pain in the morning is stretching.
Plantar fasciitis stretching exercises
These exercises focus on stretching the plantar fascia under the foot, as well as the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg.
Foot massage toe flexed
This exercise combines stretching with soft tissue release massage.
First, take your big toe and gently bend it upwards. Then massage gently but deeply into the tissues. As your plantar fascia releases, stretch your big toe up further and repeat the massage. Do this three to four times, and continue to do it throughout the day, or at least two to three times.
Alternatives to this exercise which have a similar effect include rolling a tennis ball under your foot, or a frozen bottle of water. This combines cold therapy with stretching, which helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Standing plantar stretch
This is a great Plantar fasciitis stretching exercise.
Place one foot in front of the other, with your back foot’s toe pressing into the heel of the front foot. Then gently bend your back knee, creating a stretch under the back foot. You should feel a gentle, deep stretch along the plantar fascia. Hold for approximately 30 seconds and repeat four times.
Sustained calf stretch
This stretches the calf muscles, in particular, the large gastrocnemius.
First, wrap a resistance band or strap around your feet. Then, gently pull up so you feel a stretch in your calf muscles. Hold this for at least 1 minute, or better up to 2 minutes. This exercise applies a very gradual stretch, therefore, it is important not to push too hard too soon. Relax and feel your muscles very gradually stretching.
Bent knee calf stretch
Bent knee calf stretch targets the deeper Soleus muscle at the back of your lower leg.
Stand with the leg you want to stretch at the back. Bend your knee and ease in to feel a stretch lower down at the back of your leg.
Straight leg calf stretch
Stretch with your back knee straight to target the larger Gastrocnemius muscle. Both are important for treating Plantar fasciitis.
Neural flossing plantar fasciitis exercise
This gently mobilises the nerve tissue, specifically the sciatic nerve.
Lie on your back and hold one leg. Straighten your leg and lift your head up to increase the stretch. Your head follows your foot as you turn the tension on and off. Do not force it. This should be a relaxed Plantar fasciitis exercise.
Plantar fasciitis strengthening exercises
The following Plantar fasciitis exercises strengthen the ankle and foot without placing stress on your foot arch at this stage. Aim to do them once or twice a day.
Isometric ankle exercises
These work the ankle joint in all directions statically, without movement. They improve ankle stability. Make sure to include inversion, eversion, plantar flexion, and dorsiflexion.
Towel scrunching
To strengthen the intrinsic muscles within the foot, scrunch a tea towel or paper towel using your toes. Repeat for approximately 30 seconds or until the muscles begin to fatigue. Alternatively, you can pick up a pencil or marble with your toes.
Soleus wall sit plantar fasciitis exercise
Sit against the wall and slide down so you are in a ‘comfortable’ position with your thighs horizontal. Then raise your heels up off the floor. Push down through the ball of your foot and toes. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat 2 to 5 times.
Plantar fasciitis activation exercises
Although these are not specific Plantar fasciitis exercises they are important for keeping the hip muscles working. This is because they tend to switch off if you have to rest for a period of time.
Clam in flexion
Lie on your side with your knees bent and slightly forward so your hips are in flexion. Raise your knee up in a slow, controlled movement and return to the start position. If you begin to find this exercise easy then you can increase difficulty with a stronger band. Aim for 2 sets of 30 seconds.
Clam in extension
Performing the clam exercise with your knees moved further back places your hips into extension. This targets the muscles on the outside of the hip in a slightly different way. It is important to do these exercises on both sides. If you begin to find this exercise easy then you can increase difficulty with a stronger band. Aim for 2 sets of 30 seconds.
Bridge from a chair
This works the gluteal muscles in particular, as well as brings your core into play.
Place a band around your knees to increase the tension on the outside hip muscles as you perform the exercise. Bridge exercises can be done on the floor, or with feet raised. Aim for 3 sets of 12 reps.
Plantar fasciitis movement control exercises
These improve your proprioception and balance. They start off easy but get more difficult later in the program.
Seated wobble board
Whilst sitting down place the wobble board under the feet and slowly rotate it a number of times in each direction. This is good for improving or maintaining ankle range of motion and control. Aim for 4 sets of 30 seconds.
Double leg stand eyes closed
Stand with your weight equally balanced on both legs and be aware of your centre of gravity. Close your eyes and hold the position without moving or swaying. Then, open your eyes and repeat the exercise. If you find this too easy, try standing on one leg, first with your eyes open and then with them closed.
- Download our full Plantar fasciitis rehabilitation program for phase 2, 3, and 4 Plantar fasciitis exercises.
- View recommended products for Plantar fasciitis at UPMedical.co.uk
Our Plantar fasciitis recovery protocol is created by elite-level sports physiotherapist Phil Pask. It includes stretching, strengthening, activation as well as movement control exercises.
Program author: Phil Pask
Phil is one of the World’s most experienced Sports Physiotherapists. He has been England Senior Rugby Team Physiotherapist since 1997, continuing his role in recent years as Consultant Physio to the team. He was a player, physio, and head of performance at Northampton Saints from 1986 – 2002.
