What are the best exercises for heel pain? Research strongly supports these specific exercises and hands on therapy for resolving plantar fasciitis in the shortest amount of time possible.  The recommended treatments include calf stretches (A), foot stretches (B), and hands-on therapy (C). For calf stretches, while standing with your foot straight ahead, lean forward and keep your heel on the floor until you feel a stretch sensation in your calf. Perform this stretch first with the back leg straight and then repeat it with the back knee bent. For foot stretches, while seated, grab the base of your toes and pull them toward your shin. Your physical therapist can add manual therapy to your treatment, such as the ankle mobilization shown here.

To learn more about plantar fasciitis and how the Physiotherapists at River Heights Physiotherapy can help you click here.

This JOSPT Perspectives for Patients is based on an article by Fraser et al, titled "Utilization of Physical Therapy Intervention Among Patients With Plantar Fasciitis in the United States" (J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(2):49-55. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.6999).