It’s not just athletes who experience tightness in their calf muscles. Common culprits include inactivity, overuse, the mechanics of your walking or running stride, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Tight calves may be a result of conditions like diabetes or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can restrict the blood flow to your legs. Sprains, strains, tendonitis, cramps, or bone injuries may also contribute to tension in your lower leg, Ourishian says. The patient can play a vital role in preventing Charcot foot and its complications by following these measures: Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Once you’ve ruled out that your tight calf muscles aren’t caused by an underlying condition, Royer says that a consistent regimen of massage or foam rolling can help. Any of the stretchers on our list can fit into your existing stretching routine. Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet. The Original ProStretch is engineered to be strong and lightweight, making it easy to take it to the game, the office or the gym.

Custom shoes and bracing. Shoes with special inserts may be needed after the bones have healed to enable the patient to return to daily activities—as well as help prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers and possibly amputation. In cases with significant deformity, bracing is also required. Treatment for Charcot foot in its early stage is geared towards reducing swelling and heat in the area, as well as stabilizing the foot by keeping it immobile. It’s important to eliminate any weight or pressure on the foot to stop additional damage from being done. This is sometimes referred to as off-loading. Designed by Sports Physiotherapy Professionals it's not just for 'Sporty' types, it's for anyone who suffers with this nagging, debilitating foot & leg pain!

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These supports may be required for several months or longer. During that time, you should regularly see a doctor, who will monitor your progress. If only one foot is affected, your other foot will be monitored for symptoms during this time. https://www.medstargeorgetown.org/our-services/orthopaedics/treatments/foot-and-ankle-treatments/ankle-fusion/ It’s also a good idea to take proactive measures to loosen and protect your calves over time. Before working out, make sure to warm up your muscles and stretch properly using dynamic stretches. Warm-up exercises help improve your range of motion and take stress off of your joints and tendons to prevent injuries, according to the American Heart Association. Afterward, Duran recommends cooling down with some static stretches to lengthen your muscles. Be gentle, he says, to allow your muscle fibers to fully relax. Foot and ankle surgeons are the leading experts in foot and ankle care today. As doctors of podiatric medicine – also known as podiatrists, DPMs or occasionally “foot and ankle doctors”– they are the board-certified surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. Foot and ankle surgeons have more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other healthcare provider. Activity modification. A modification in activity level may be needed to avoid repetitive trauma to both feet. A patient with Charcot in one foot is more likely to develop it in the other foot, so measures must be taken to protect both feet.Being on your feet all day, sitting for long hours at a desk job, and wearing unsupportive shoes can all lead to tight calves. While your calves might not currently occupy a spot in your normal stretching routine, it’s important to keep them loose because tight calves have a more limited range of motion, says Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a physical therapist and master Pilates instructor based in Centennial, Colorado. “Calf restriction limits not only mobility but strength, power, and endurance,” she explains. Charcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain or trauma. Because of diminished sensation, the patient may continue to walk—making the injury worse. People with neuropathy (especially those who have had it for a long time) are at risk for developing Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have been shown to have a tendency to develop Charcot foot. Symptomsof Charcot Foot I love the Nooncrazy slant board because it has different ranges depending on each individual's mobility,” Vatche Ourishian, a fascial stretch therapist, corrective exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, and owner and performance director of Muscle Lab in Los Angeles, California, says. “It's also light and easy to travel with.” Keeping your calves active and in good condition also helps combat cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and can lower your risk of injury. But if manual stretches prove too challenging to hold by yourself, Royer says a calf stretcher can help keep your muscles in a lengthened position for longer, allowing for a secure, relaxed stretch.