Plantar fasciitis: Exercises to relieve pain

Why is it important to do exercises for plantar fasciitis?

People who develop plantar fasciitis may have less flexible feet and ankles, and weaker foot muscles. Their feet may tend to flatten and roll inward (pronate) more when they walk or run.

Exercises can protect the plantar fascia from injury and inflammation by making the plantar fascia and calf muscles more flexible and by strengthening the foot and ankle muscles that support the arch.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce or prevent heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

1. True
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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: July 23, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatric Surgery
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