Loosen Up: Reviews Guide To The Best Foot Stretcher
Contents
When you’re suffering from foot pain or aches, nothing feels better than a good stretch.
You can find lots of foot stretcher options on the market today, but it can be difficult to determine which will suit your needs.
Some people need them to combat injuries, while others will want them to prevent injuries during ballet or gymnastics.
Foot and ankle injuries make up about half of injuries in some groups of dancers, according to a review of dance injury studies, so use arch stretchers with care.
Don’t waste your time trying to figure out the right product to use.
I’ve done the research and I’m here to show you the top 5 that you’ll want to check out.
Top 5 Best Foot Stretcher
| Image | Model | Type | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| North American Healthcare Foot Rocker | North American Healthcare Foot Rocker | Foot rocker | Blue |
| ProStretch Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker (The Original) | ProStretch Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker | Foot rocker | Blue |
| Stretch-EZ by OPTP | Stretch-EZ by OPTP | Loops and pull | Red |
| SUPERIOR ARCH Foot Stretcher for Ballet and Gymnastics | SUPERIOR ARCH Foot Stretcher | Pad and velcro | Black |
| ARCH GENIE - The Original Foot Stretcher | ARCH GENIE – Foot Stretcher | Pad and velcro | Black |
Buyer’s Guide
There are a few things to consider before you make a purchase.
- What are you using it for?
Some of the stretchers you find will be geared toward people doing physical therapy while another might be best for a ballet dancer.
Will you be using it to recover from injury or prevent injuries?
Try to pick the one that’s specifically designed for your needs.
- How easy is it to use?
You’ll want to avoid anything overly complicated and be sure the product has easy to understand directions.
- What’s the quality?
You don’t want a product that’s going to break after just a few days.
Read reviews and ensure that the product will last for the long haul.
Best Foot Stretcher
Here are my top picks when you’re in the market for a new foot stretcher.
North American Healthcare Foot Rocker
This rocker was developed by sports professionals in an effort to provide the optimum foot position and allow for effective stretching.
The maker suggests three 30-second stretches to increase flexibility and ease heel and leg discomfort.
It may help people with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis or arch pain. OrthoInfo (AAOS) calls stretching the calves and plantar fascia the most effective way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
ProStretch Calf Stretcher & Foot Rocker
This is a great option to increase your range of motion and the flexibility of the lower leg.
This isolates the lower leg muscles, tendons and ligaments to provide a deep and complete stretch.
The built-in heel plate reduces slipping and the foot plate allows for proper foot alignment.
Check the listing for the current warranty and the shoe sizes it fits.
Stretch-EZ by OPTP
This stretching device is made of comfortable poly laminate and webbing to allow for complete control over the stretch.
It’s commonly used in stretching routines aimed at treating plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and tight calves and hamstrings.
The strap wraps around the foot for a comfortable, controlled stretch.
This stretches more than just your foot. Enjoy a good stretch throughout the hamstring, quadriceps, and calf.
SUPERIOR ARCH Foot Stretcher
This custom-designed foot arch stretcher has a molded incline with a wood base for under the arch support.
This feature is exclusive to SuperiorArch and allows room for the heel to rotate downward.
The maker says this reduces pressure on the heel.
For premium support, this is covered with two inches of premium foam.
You can use the Velcro to fully adjust the overlapping flap and secure it comfortably to any size foot. They even provide instructional videos to help you get the most of the product.
ARCH GENIE Foot Stretcher
Available in a variety of colors, you can customize the Arch Genie to your personality.
The maker says it is handmade in the USA.
Achieve a dynamic foot-arch stretch that’s ideal for any dancer.
Other people who find comfort with this product are gymnasts, swimmers, runners, athletes and any fitness enthusiast.
Check the maker’s age guidance before buying it for a child, and have young dancers use it only under a teacher’s supervision.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve found my guide to the best foot stretcher to be helpful.
As you’ve seen, there are several different styles and varieties to choose from.
Surely one of the fantastic designs that are available will suit your needs and get you on the road to a happy foot and ankle.
Use your stretcher as directed, and stop if a stretch causes sharp pain. If foot or heel pain lasts more than a few weeks, see a doctor or physical therapist.
If you’re interested in other ways to improve your foot arch through stretching, try simple calf and plantar fascia stretches like the ones OrthoInfo describes.
Sources
- Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs, OrthoInfo (AAOS)
- Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries in modern and contemporary dancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Frontiers in Public Health (PMC)
