Your calf muscles need to be loose enough for your ankles to perform a full range of motion, and taking care of your calves should be a top priority if you are an athlete. Calf stretch devices can give you the most impressive results if you need to regularly stretch out your calf muscles. The StrongTek Professional Slant Board is a superb device recommended for both injury prevention and recovery.
There are four different kinds of calf stretch devices.
It’s crucial to make sure you’re using the calf stretch device properly to get the most out of it. Before starting a new calf stretching routine, consult with your physical therapist or doctor to make sure it’s the right approach for you.
Perform your stretches every day to see the best results, and dress comfortably for your stretching sessions. Wear shoes that won’t slide or slip around since a sudden jolt could damage your muscles. Slide gradually into the stretch until you feel tension rather than pain. If you feel any pain, stop using the device right away and speak to your physical therapist or doctor.
Most calf stretch devices can fit any size of foot. The only devices that might cause an issue are straps with loops that are too small for bigger feet or rockers that are too tiny for bigger shoe sizes.
Some kinds of calf stretchers, such as foam rollers, work best for shallow stretches, while other devices, such as rockers, are meant to stretch deeply. However, some incline boards have multiple settings, allowing you to adjust the calf stretch to your specific needs.
Make sure the calf stretch device you’re thinking of buying is rated to handle your entire body weight. This should not be an issue for most devices, but some incline boards might not be able to support the weight of heavier individuals.
The last thing you need when you’re trying to recover from an injury is a rocker sliding across the floor after you step on it, causing you to reinjure yourself or fall. Make sure that the calf stretch device you purchase is slip resistant. Test out the device to be safe before putting your whole weight onto it.
Calf stretch devices range in price from about $5-$70. The most inexpensive devices go for $5-$15, while midrange devices cost about $15-$25. High-end devices vary in price from about $25-$50, and premium devices go for $50-$70.
A. The calf muscle actually includes two muscles: the soleus muscle and the gastrocnemius muscle. These muscles let you stand still, jump, run or walk without falling over. They’re important for circulation since they drive blood back to the heart. You need fully functional, healthy calf muscles to live an active life.
A. Tight calf muscles can cause a number of issues since the calves are important for daily activities. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most painful and common issues.
This medical condition can make it hard to get out of bed every morning out of fear of the sharp pain and discomfort that comes with the first step. Injured or tight calf muscles can also cause headaches, back pain, shin splints and achilles tendonitis.
A. Depending on your lifestyle or job, your calf muscles might contract for multiple hours at a time each day. Since your calf muscles are under such constant stress and strain, they might start to shorten if you don’t regularly and gently take them through the full range of motion. Daily calf stretching lets you live a full, pain-free and active life.
StrongTek Professional Slant Board
What you need to know: This wooden slant board is secure, safe and stays in place while you stretch.
What you’ll love: Perfect for active people and athletes of all experience levels and ages, this tool is recommended by experts for both recovery and injury prevention. It is composed of premium hardwood that will last for years.
What you should consider: Because of its shape and weight, this device might be more difficult to transport than plastic and wooden rockers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
ProStretch Blue Calf Stretcher
What you need to know: With a slip-resistant bottom and a 250-pound weight limit, this rocker device helps relieve tightness and pain in your leg muscles.
What you’ll love: It is perfect for post-surgery recovery and runners, accommodates up to an adult men’s shoe size 13 and automatically holds your foot in the right position for stretching.
What you should consider: If you use this stretcher while barefoot, it will be uncomfortable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
IdealStretch Hamstring Stretching Aid
What you need to know: You stretch your calf while lying on your back with this tool, which removes the risk of back injuries or falling.
What you’ll love: This device features a lightweight steel frame with heavy-duty construction and comes in various heights. It also stretches your hamstrings and calves at the same time.
What you should consider: This tool is expensive but effective, and the handle is not designed well.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Alex Kilpatrick writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
