Posted on April 6, 2008 in Latest News
The calf muscle is medically known as the gastrocnemius muscle. The calf muscle is a very powerful large muscle mass located at the posterior end of the leg, below the thigh. The muscle functions to plantar flex, or point the toes. The tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone is commonly referred to as the Achillies tendon.
The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel. As the calf muscle tightens up it limits the movement of the ankle joint. When there is not adequate range of motion at the ankle during walking or exercising the foot joints are forced to move in an abnormal fashion. Over time, this repeated strain results in a variety of foot problems.
Calf muscle stretching is very useful in the treatment of many foot disorders and for the prevention of foot problems.
How to do it?
One typical method is as described below:
Stand with one leg in front of the other, with both feet pointed forward. Place hands on a wall or similar for support
Keep back knee bent, with the heel pressed to the floor
Push your hips forward, while pressing your back heel to ground
Hold the stretch
Repeat the same on both legs.
Piriformis Stretch: The piriformis muscle is responsible for lateral rotation of the hipLying on your back, cross your legs just as you might while sitting in a chair. Grasping the “under” leg with both hands, pull the knee toward your chest until you feel the stretch in your buttocks and hips.
Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back, keeping the back flat and your eyes focused upward. Grasp the back of one thigh with both your hands and (leg bent) pull that thigh into a 90-degree position vs. the floor. Then slowly straighten your knee. After you have got used to doing this exercise, you can achieve a better stretch by pulling your thigh closer to your chest.
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