plantar fasciitis
I have a client that had plantar fasciitis and is NOT having any trouble with it at this time. She stays in tune with how her foot is feeling when working out. My question is, is it ok to have her do calf presses? We did them yesterday and she said it doesn’t hurt, she can feel the tendon maybe stretching? She wasn’t sure, but it didn’t hurt. She completed the calf press and today when I checked in with her there was no indication that her foot was affected. My suggestion to her was to make sure to do her stretching exercises. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
First I would have her see a physician or podiatrist. Plantar fasciitis can easily escalate, and the fascia could tear. Often a simple orthotic such as a heel lift can alleviate the condition. If she is cleared medically, I would stay away from calf presses and focus on strengthening the shins and stretching the calf. She can try rolling the area with a tennis ball or try an ice massage. Stretching the calf in bed before she gets up (using her hand to pull her toes towards her knees) can also help.
Thank you Janet. She has already seen a dr. and is cleared to workout. I only ask the question because we do not want to aggravate it and I was curious what others thought about the calf press. She has not had trouble with it for some time now and she is one of those perfect clients that actually listens and does what they are asked…so she definitely continuing the stretches per the doctors order. Thanks for the suggestion of strengthening the shins and sticking to calf stretches.
Hi Kerry,
As a MELT instructor, I often deal with people with plantar fasciitis. I cannot recommend enough that your client check the MELT foot treatment. I have always seen great improvements to the point of it going away. I have testimonials to that effect on my website.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com