The Best Calf Stretchers

Tight calf muscles can cause Achilles tendon tears, plantar fasciitis, sprains, and other conditions. Luckily, stretching your calves with a calf stretcher can help. Usually made from plastic or wood, calf stretches are both highly practical and portable. Keep reading to learn more about the best calf stretchers on the market, and give your calves the TLC they deserve.

What Causes Tight Calf Muscles

The two calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) are used every time you walk. When these muscles become too tight, you may experience pain in the back of your lower leg. Here are the most common causes of tight calf muscles.

• Overuse

  Calf discomfort can be caused by muscle strain. This, in turn, is usually caused by strenuous workouts or new exercise regimens that involves activities such as running, biking, or swimming. While muscle strain is characterized by pain and limited range of motion, overuse can also cause muscle cramps.

• Achilles Tendonitis

  The Achilles tendon connect the calf muscles to the heels. Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon. The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include calf pain, inflammation, and limited movement when flexing the feet.

• Sciatica

  Sciatica is caused by an irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs down the legs from the lower back. The sciatic nerve controls the lower leg and the back of the knees. The most common symptoms of sciatica include pain in the lower back that stretches down to the calves.

• Peripheral Neuropathy

  Often a side effect of diabetes, peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. Some of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include sharp pain or numbness, muscle cramps or weakness, and even loss of balance.

Calf Muscle Exercises

Whether due to overextension or sedentary lifestyle, tight calf muscles can affect your mobility and increase the risk of conditions such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Luckily, calf exercises can loosen your muscles. Here is a list of simple stretching exercises to help you regain your flexibility.

• Calf Stretch With a Resistance Band

  Sit on the floor with your back straight and your legs extended in front of you. Loop a resistance band—you can also use a yoga strap or a rolled up towel—around one foot. Holding both sides of the band, pull your toes toward your shin. Repeat this move on the other side.

• Heel Drop

  Stand with the balls of your feet on a step or the edge of a treadmill, keeping your heels in the air. Drop one heel while bending your other leg. Keep it is this position for a few seconds or pedal it up and down a few times. Repeat this exercise on the other side.

• Lunging Calf Stretch

  This exercise requires no equipment, so it can be easily done anywhere. Stand beside a wall or, if you are away from a wall, place your hands on your hips for balance. Place your right or left hand on the wall for support and step back with one foot, bending your front leg. Press your back heel down into the floor until you feel a stretch. Repeat on the other side.

• Toe Walk

  Stand with your feet a hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell, or a full water bottle, in each hand. Engage your core and keep your shoulders down. Lift your heels and walk forward on your toes. This exercise is not only great for stretching the calf muscles, but it can do wonders for your balance.

Weighing All the Factors

Taking everything into account, Vive’s foot rocker is the perfect choice for stretching tight calf muscles. Featuring a raised heel platform and non-slip rubber grips, this calf stretcher is not only stable but also keeps the foot securely in place during workouts. StrongTek’s incline board and calf stretcher and North American Health’s optimal foot rocker are also great choices for loosening tight calf muscles.