However, high heels are an industry standard to certain lines of professionals and there is no avoiding them. If you must wear heels, then I highly suggest stretching these two muscles:
1) The Gastrocnemius
2) The Soleus
Both of these stretches MUST include turning the foot and pointing the toes of the foot behind inward toward your opposite heel. Without turning your foot inward, you will not experience an effective stretch. Also, do your best to keep your heel on the ground during this stretch. Both of these stretches will affect the calf of the foot behind your body.
These two stretches can relieve ankle/foot/calf pains due to changed mechanics secondary to footwear. These stretches will also prevent any adaptive changes which may make your body at higher risk of injury. Try doing these stretches before lunch, after dinner, and before you go to bed.
Also, I'm sure you've noticed a new model in our images. Please welcome and support Mr. Mike Rein, MS, BS - Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Specialist. Mr. Rein has been developing a blog called "Kettlebell Dynamics" - please take a look and support him!
Would these be better done barefoot? That athletic shoe looks like it has a pretty good heel itself.
ReplyDeleteI do prefer my patients/clients to do these stretches when barefoot. However, a generally neutral shoes will suffice. It's true: some athletic shoes do have a more generous heel than ideal, however, these are no where as exaggerated as the inches of heels you see in other models of footwear.
DeleteGreat information! The post is being very informative, i would surely try this at home to cure some pain in my legs.
ReplyDeleteHeel Pain