Strengthening for plantar fasciitis

A potential cause of plantar fasciitis is from a loss of strength in the calf muscles. If this is the cause of plantar fasciitis, this may be particularly important to manage for athletes and those who are planning to increase their exercise.

There are a variety of different ways to strengthen the calf, and seeking advice from our podiatrists before you start will be worthwhile. A simple home-based approach is outlined below.

Simple calf strengthening program

1. Stand on the edge of a step, or if balance is a concern, stand on flat ground

2. Perform a calf raise on a single leg, by slowly rising then returning to the ground

3. Repeat the calf raise until you can’t do any more

4. Perform the calf raises every second day

The video below provides a strengthening program with slightly more detail.