Therapeutic exercise
Plantar-Fascia Towel Stretch
Targeted stretch of the plantar fascia, essential for morning plantar fasciitis. Performed before putting weight on the foot upon rising.
How to perform
- Starting position. Sit on the bed with the affected leg extended in front of you.
- Step 2. Loop a towel around the sole of the affected foot, holding the ends with your hands.
- Step 3. Pull the towel toward your body, dorsiflexing the ankle.
- Return. Hold for 30 seconds, feeling the stretch along the sole of the foot.
When not to perform
- Acute pain during the stretch
- Severe diabetic neuropathy
Medical disclaimer. These exercises are presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program, especially in case of acute pain, recent injury, or underlying clinical condition.
Related Exercises
Gastrocnemius Wall Stretch
Calf stretch with the knee straight. Restores flexibility of the posterior chain and reduces traction on the Achilles tendon.
Soleus Stretch (Bent-Knee)
Stretches the soleus — the deep calf muscle that is only isolated with the knee bent. Complements the gastrocnemius stretch (knee straight) for complete flexibility of the calf complex.
Foot Arch Raise (Short Foot)
Activation of the abductor hallucis and plantar intrinsics. Retrains active support of the arch — a complementary intervention for plantar fasciitis with a flat-foot pattern.