Hearing from your doctor you have plantar fasciitis can be quite discouraging, however, this is a common foot condition, one that is really painful but also one that can be treated. If you want to get past your plantar fasciitis symptoms, the right treatment must be followed. Thankfully, treatment for plantar fasciitis is quite successful, this is also in part to devices such as the calf stretcher board.
Plantar fasciitis is chronic inflammation in your heels, one that leads to a whole lot of pain when walking. As part of the treatment, the right footwear, socks, and other accessories; stretching exercises, and rehabilitation are in order.
Most experts agree that gentle stretches help relieve and even prevent plantar fasciitis. Stretching your calves and the plantar fascia itself helps loosen your muscles and reduce heel pain.
The calf happens to play a great role in our daily activities and movements such as running, walking, jumping, and standing. Hence, you need a calf stretch board to help you stretch them and make them flexible.
This will result in the prevention of inflammation which often comes with pain. You also must know that tight calf muscles or injuries can lead to foot and leg pain, including plantar fasciitis.
Stretching your calves activates the muscles, stimulates blood flow, and can increase your short-term range of motion and flexibility. Whether you’re treating plantar fasciitis or just want a different way to strengthen your legs, the calf stretch board is a perfect choice.
If you can relate and think a calf stretcher can help you in your recovery, you are in luck because below, we’ve shared some of the best calf stretcher board options you can find in the market now.
Calf Stretcher Board Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Calf Stretcher Board For Plantar Fasciitis: Professional Wooden Slant Board
- Best Seller on Amazon Calf Stretcher Board For Plantar Fasciitis: StrongTek Portable Slant Board
- Best Affordable Calf Stretcher Board For Plantar Fasciitis: Yoga Foam Wedge Blocks
- Best Adjustable Angles Calf Stretcher Board For Plantar Fasciitis: Slant Board for Calf Stretching, 5 Adjustable Angles Foot Stretcher
- Best Steel Strecher Calf Stretcher Board For Plantar Fasciitis: WL Professional Steel Calf Stretcher
How To Choose The Perfect Calf Stretcher Board For You?
When searching for a calf stretcher board, you must keep in mind a number of features that combined can offer the comfort level your aching feet need. With numerous models, designs, and materials out there, how do you identify the right calf stretcher board?
Choosing the right calf stretcher board is vital; you need a device that provides comfort and can help manage and reduce pain. A good calf stretcher board has been professed to enhance performance, prevent injury, and provide benefit in rehabilitation.
It’s associated with assisting in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, as well as other foot conditions. The best models have an adjustable incline, but you always need to be sure the incline’s not too steep as you are committed to the full stretch once both feet are on the board.
You also want to keep an eye open for premium materials, look for Lauan hardwood plywood and a non-skid step top. Wood it’s considered the best material for a board for stretching calf and foot because it offers durability and functionality. Additionally, look for models that provide the five different angles with an extra-side handle for portability.
Types Of Calf Stretcher Board
Foam Calf Stretcher Board
A foam stretcher board is a piece of foam that you place on the floor. Resembling a large wedge, these boards are platforms that allow you to elevate your heel at an angle to target your knees and calves when stretching.
Alternatively, there are half-round foam rollers that you can place the balls of your feet on to get a more dynamic stretch while standing. Foam rollers are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use, but they don’t provide a high level of intensity.
Wood Calf Stretcher Board
The incline board is a small board that is usually made of wood. When you stand on the incline, it forces your toes up, making a sharper angle at your ankle to stretch out your calf muscles. Wood incline boards can be pricey. Additionally, they are heavier than other types of calf-stretching devices, but they are very easy to use.
Plastic Calf Stretcher Board
Due to the plastic construction, this calf stretcher board isn’t ideal for weighted exercises or intense pressure. With that said, though, if you’re new to the discipline and want to get accustomed to the movements, this is a more digestible option, especially for those keeping tabs on the cost.
Steel Calf Stretcher Board
A calf stretcher board doesn’t have to be flashy, but those made with steel certainly are. The purpose is clear in their minimalist design. Just a lightweight steel frame and full non-slip platform that’s ready to give you enhanced stretching for your calves, tendons, and knees.
Some models can be adjusted between 15 and 35 degrees of incline for varied training and can support up to 500 pounds. They also offer a foldable profile that allows for easy storage and transport as well.
Best Calf Stretcher Board List
1. Professional Wooden Calf Stretcher Board
Pros
- Adjustable Incline
- Handle Design
- Premium Material
- Anti-Slip
Cons
- The Tape May Peel
Made of high-quality Lauan hardwood plywood, stronger and last longer than others made of birch and pine plywood. The original design of side handles makes the board easy to carry.
Anti-Slip design on both surface and bottom offers the best safety protection. It is not only helpful for stretching before/after a workout but also beneficial to the body’s recovery from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, shin splints, calf strains, and other foot and ankle injuries pain.
What Our Testers Say
I just purchased the slant board on 6-23 and started using it on 6-26. It was recommended by my physical therapist. I have plantar fasciitis and need to stretch my calves daily. Using my wall at home for stretching my calves took me eight minutes, now it only takes me four minutes to stretch. The slant board gives me an excellent stretch.
This calf stretcher board can help you stretch properly and reduce the chance of injury. Recommended by physical therapists, this device makes your muscles more responsive during exercise.
Level up your daily stretching with our wooden slant board. This is suitable for beginners and veteran athletes and all body types.
Tips
The extra-large slant board allows you to easily do squats and you can stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. StrongTek Portable Calf Stretcher Board
Pros
- Plastic
- Adjustable
- Textured Surface
Cons
- May Feel Unsteady
This adjustable balance board helps to make your muscles more responsive during exercising; in addition, it helps you stretch properly and reduce the chance of injury.
This calf stretcher board is not only helpful for stretching before/after a workout, but also beneficial to the body’s recovery from Achilles tendon injuries, shin splints, calf strains, and other foot and ankle injuries pain.
Features a textured surface and a plastic/rubber lip for heels to protect you from slipping off. A very popular alternative to the heavy wooden slant board, this light-weighted foot slant board is suitable and flexible for use in home, office, travel, and indoor-outdoor exercise.
What Our Testers Say
I’ve been using the stairs of the wall to stretch multiple times a day to try to relieve plantar fasciitis pain, but I never get as good a stretch as using a wooden wedge at physical therapy.
I purchased this slant board in hopes of getting a better stretch at home, and I’m really happy with it. It’s sturdy, the angle is plenty high for my purposes, and I like that I can close it and slide it under my end table when I’m done using it.
How To Use StrongTek Portable Calf Stretcher Board
- Stand upright, straight and tall, Engage the core and breathe deeply in a slow and controlled manner.
- Place your hands on your knees and bend forward at the knees slightly. Maintain a flat back by engaging the core and swaying from side to side.
3. Yoga Foam Wedge Calf Stretcher Board
Pros
- EVA
- Versatile
- Cushioned
Cons
- Not Dense Enough
Looking for a smart way to protect your joints during stretches, want to expand your flexibility and forms, or need a low-impact way to increase muscle activation? StrongTek Yoga Blocks can help improve your squats, pushups, deadlifts, and other workout routines with soft, cushioned comfort.
StrongTek soft yoga blocks can be used in a variety of positions, including forward, backward, and sideways to expand exercise routines.
What Our Testers Say
I have plantar fasciitis and I need to stretch my feet and calves repeatedly throughout the day. With this wedge, I can get a really good stretch while at work without being incredibly obvious.
I just put it under my work table, and I can stretch out and keep working. Since it’s foam, it’s lightweight, so I can just toss it into my bag and travel with it. They come in a pair, and I just use one at a time, so I keep one at work, and one at home. Just what I needed.
These Yoga wedge blocks can also be used for Pilates, stretching, CrossFit, squats, pushups, planks, physical therapy, and other fitness.
The heavy-duty yoga blocks offer better balance and control during forms, supporting joints in the elbow, wrists, knees, and shoulders.
The wide, flat bottom and longer ramp length give you more versatility and comfort during all your upper and lower body exercises.
Tips
I bought a pack of self-adhesive 3/8 dot rubber bumpers and attached them to the bottom four corners of each wedge. works great! no more sliding wedge.
4. Adjustable Angles Calf Stretcher Board
Pros
- Portable
- Effective
- Clean Design
Cons
- They Might Slip
This calf stretcher board helps exercise stretches while also helping the body recover from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, shin splints, calf strains, foot and ankle injuries, and pain. This board stimulates your movement core and improves your agility, reflexes, strength, and stamina.
It is made of EPP environmentally friendly material, non-toxic, odorless, waterproof, and oil-proof, not only recyclable but also naturally degradable.
Stretching boards that meet the standards of physical therapy equipment provide 4 different angles for different degrees of stretching. The foot stretcher is detachable and removable so you can use it anywhere.
The foam calf stretcher squat wedge weighs only 1 pound and can support a 480lbs adult standing, so it will never deform.
What Our Testers Say
These are lightweight, strong, and affordable. Doing declined squats with these wedges helped me alleviate some pain in my knee as part of my at-home therapy.
The calf stretcher has five adjustable angles: 8.5°, 17°, 25.5°, 34°, and 180°. You can choose different levels of calf stretches from easy to hard. The foot calf stretcher can also add variety and challenge to your exercise program. As your physical therapy equipment, it fits in your home as well as in your office.
Tips
This is stain-resistant and quickly regains its shine just by wiping with a cloth and rinsing with water.
5. WL Professional Steel Calf Stretcher Board
Pros
- Non-Slip Surface
- Strong
Cons
- Metal Might Bend
- Expensive
This calf stretcher board comes highly recommended by physical therapists. It makes your muscles more responsive during exercise; helps you stretch properly and reduce the chance of injury.
It features a full easy-grip surface that’s gentle on bare feet but helps keep you in place safely and securely. The slant board can be used for a variety of stretching exercises focusing on particular parts of the anatomy of your legs.
This multi-functional calf stretcher board is adjustable to 4 Positions: 15°, 25°, 30°, and 35°; Measured 16″ X 14″. It additionally, accommodates different workout levels and body weights.
What Our Testers Say
I am getting PT treatments for an injured Achilles tendon and this slant board is one of the things they have me use at the clinic that keeps my calf and ankle stretched out and flexible. I had nothing at home to use so the therapist recommended a slant board. This one is great – lightweight but sturdy and adjusts easily to all different angles. Lays flat to get it out of the way. I highly recommend this product.
Made of heavy-duty steel with long-lasting strength, durability, and capacity of 500 Lbs.; the slant board always ensures that you maintain a proper posture throughout the slant board exercise.
Tips
Place the mat to put under it so it doesn’t scratch hardwood floors.
Calf Stretcher Board Buying Guide
What Is A Calf Stretcher Board?
Generally speaking, calf stretches are lower body movements that expand and contract the rear-facing muscles of your lower leg, collectively called the “triceps surae.” The calf consists of two muscles, the gastrocnemius, and soleus, which support the Achilles tendon and serve in everyday activities like standing and walking.
With that in mind, a calf stretcher board then is a flat-surfaced device that is made from durable wood or lightweight plastic material and that allows controlled effective, stretching of the calf muscles to reduce tightness before and after exercise and therefore reduce the risk of injury to the calf, shin, and ankle. It also acts as a rehabilitation aid for Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and calf strain.
How Does A Calf Stretcher Board Works?
A calf stretcher board is not only helpful for stretching before/after a workout but also beneficial to the body’s recovery from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, shin splints, calf strains, and other foot and ankle injuries and pain.
Stretching your calves activates the muscles, stimulates blood flow, and can increase your short-term range of motion and flexibility. Some people perform calf stretches as a warm-up or cool-down before or after a lower-body workout routine, yoga practice, cardio session, or standalone wellness activity.
Calf stretches are one of many types of stretches for the leg muscles, alongside quad stretches, hamstring stretches, and glute stretches.
The calf stretcher board leaves legs and feet fitter helping reduce the chances of future injury.
Features To Look For In A Calf Stretcher Board
Size
Can your calf stretch board be used in an open area or do you need it to fit into a small, tight area? Anywhere in your house, you can install a calf stretch board. A calf stretch board may also be more discreet if you prefer to stay discreet. Before purchasing your calf stretch board decide how large you would like it to be.
Weight Limit
A calf stretcher board’s dimensions are important if you want to stretch comfortably on it. Professional sizes usually offer a large area for you to work on. The length is around 16-17 inches and the width can be around 12-13 inches. As for the weight limit, a decent limit is at least 300 lbs.
Design
Choosing an item that looks great is very important, and it is a matter of personal taste. Most likely, you will use your calf stretch board throughout the day, whether you are working. Your products should look good enough to catch your eye, and you should even be able to customize them.
Ease of Use
Consider purchasing a calf stretch board that is easy to set up and use. Look for documentation and online videos on how to set up the product from the manufacturer. Also, you can read reviews online or speak with someone who already owns the calf stretch board. What you want is something you can use every day, not something that makes your life harder.
Material/Build Quality
The EVA Foam provides a comfortable step that’s cozy yet firm, but continued training could lead to some wear over the years. Wooden boards will last a long time, but those made of plastic or foam are relatively more affordable, and lightweight and some are even foldable for portability.
The material of the calf stretcher board may vary from wood to plastic and foam. Your choice depends on your personal preference. If you want something durable, choose wooden slanted boards. For something more lightweight, choose either plastic or foam. Regardless of the material, find a board that has a superior construction to last for a long time. A non-slip surface only helps to add to a build quality board.
Function
The higher the functionality, the more extensive the specifications are, and you need to understand how it works. The functionality’s mainly determined by the product’s specifications. Make sure to check the details of your calf stretcher board and determine if it is the one you want or not if it will give you the desired results.
Incline/Angles
Having your calf stretcher board offer different angles is ideal to increase your flexibility, relieve pain, and recover from plantar fasciitis. Some calf stretcher boards offer adjustable incline levels while others only have one. For versatility, find a slant board that offers multiple incline levels. The best slant board features 3-5 different angles to serve a more large-scale capacity.
Common Questions About Calf Stretcher Board
Are slant boards worth it?
Aside from offering deeper muscle activation and responsiveness, working on the slant board helps improve your balance and stability more than any other piece of equipment.
What are the benefits of calf stretch?
- Activate the calf muscles. Your calf muscles serve many everyday functions, including standing and walking, so they can easily become tired or stiff. The best calf stretches stimulate your muscles and increase blood flow to the area, reducing muscle tightness or calf pain.
- Increase long-term flexibility. Over time, consistent calf stretches can increase your long-term flexibility, allowing you to perform deeper stretches and hold them longer.
- Increase your short-term range of motion. Calf stretching exercises increase your short-term range of motion, allowing you to perform deeper stretches or fully activate a particular muscle in the area.
- Relieve muscle soreness. While many athletes stretch before or after a workout to relieve muscle soreness, many personal trainers argue that calf stretching doesn’t significantly affect sore muscles or pain relief.
How long should you stand on a calf stretcher?
It is recommended that you hold for 30 seconds with each stretch, as cited with each picture so that you can gain lasting improvements in the muscle’s length. You may require building up to doing a hold for 30 seconds and this is fine. Start with an amount that feels reasonable to you and aims for a 30-second hold.
How to use a calf stretcher board?
- Set the slant board to the desired slanted angle.
- Next, climb onto the board and secure your feet on the anti-skid surface.
- Lay back gently and stay in the inclined position for 1-5 minutes or more.
- When you’re done with a session, rise up carefully and climb down from the board.
Enjoy Your New Calf Stretcher Board
A calf stretcher board is one of the best tools you can get for stretching, balance training, and various forms of rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal of reducing or preventing foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis.
Remember, a quality calf stretcher board must be made of a durable material and offer different angle positions.
After going through our guide you are now ready to make a smart and informed decision. We wish you the best in your quest for a calf stretcher board.
Feel free to send us a message with comments or questions you may have. We are always thrilled to hear what you have to say.
