This Tool Helps Stretch 'Stiff Ankles And Tight Calves' — And It's Cheaper Than Physical Therapy
If you're looking for a way to improve your ankle mobility, stretch those calves or loosen your tight legs, you may find solace in the humble slant board . This deceptively simple device is a wooden ramp for your feet that lets you stretch, squat, practice mobility work and so much more. And it seriously works . Reviewers are saying this little thing has been helping relieve " stiff ankles and tight calves ," and it's even got one user exclaiming, " I can walk again !" Pain relief promise and relaxed muscles for less than $37? Not a bad deal at all!
Great for stretching before or after working out, reviewers say the board helps pain from plantar fasciitis , Achilles tendon injuries, hip alignment , knees and even improves balance and flexibility .
While yes, it's a piece of wood with grip tape on it, it surprisingly has so many uses, from ankle and foot pain relief to balance and mobility work. One reviewer calls it " a miracle ," saying this slant board is even helping them prep for a marathon !
"I love how this board helps with improving balance and flexibility, especially for tight muscles and joints," says one reviewer who calls it a "must-have" for stretching and strength training. "It's compact and portable, making it easy to store or take to the gym. The premium materials ensure durability, and it supports a wide weight range without compromising performance."
"Calf stretches have made a huge difference in my daily routine," says another . "They're easy to do, don't take much time, and really help with tightness, especially after workouts or long periods of standing. I've noticed better flexibility, less cramping, and even improved balance. Whether you're a runner, gym-goer, or just dealing with tight legs, adding a few calf stretches to your day is totally worth it."
The board can adjust itself between 15° and 35°, letting you strengthen different regions of your calves, feet, ankles and legs. It has a 500-pound weight limit, a non-slip surface so you can use it with shoes on and handles to easily move around. This particular model comes with a booklet of ideas for stretches you can do with it, but several say that YouTube is a solid resource for learning more!
Grab one of these slant boards and get a deep, deep stretch today, and take a look below to see what reviewers have to say about it.
"I have worked in major league baseball for 11 seasons, and have seen a few teams over the years with these. Being on your feet, moving heavy equipment trunks, and running around takes a toll on your body over the years. But it wasn't until recently that I suffered a herniated disc in my lower back that I realized how weak my core and balance truly are. After using this for about a week and doing the stretches, I've noticed my legs and back not hurting as much as they would usually.Great addition to my home gym as well. Nice and sturdy, with the ability to help me do calf raises and declined squats. Great product. 👍🏻" — Richard
"I can walk again. What a simple device to get me off onto my feet. When it arrived I was skeptical that this would hold my weight but it did. I am so happy.My doctor asked me what I did to get back on my feet and I showed him and he bought 10 to give out as Christmas gifts. I am back ...and by spring I am hoping to do my first marathon in Boston." — Robert J. Wagner
"[…] Most people think of slant boards just for calf stretching, which it does very well—but it's so much more versatile than that. For strength training, I love using it for heel-elevated squats. By raising the heels, we can achieve a deeper squat—especially helpful for those with stiff ankles or tight calves—and it really targets the quads.
On the flip side, I also have clients turn around and perform toes-elevated squats (toes up). This variation demands serious ankle mobility and shifts your center of balance, which increases core, glute, and hamstring engagement. I also like to cue clients to reach their hands overhead during this movement to help prevent spinal rounding.
One of my favorite mobility exercises to do with a slant board is the Egoscue Wall Drop. Set the board at your desired angle with the lower edge toward a wall. Then stand on it with your heels, glutes, upper back, and the back of your head against the wall. Start with a few minutes and gradually build up. Be mindful to keep your feet straight—don't let them turn out. This exercise is excellent for improving posture, stretching the feet and calves, opening the shoulders, and helping align the spine.
In terms of quality, this slant board really stands out. It's very sturdy—which is exactly what you want when you're standing on it and potentially adding weights. I feel completely secure using it. The adjustable angles are easy to change, making it user-friendly for different exercises and mobility levels. The textured surface is another big plus—it provides great grip, even when I'm barefoot or wearing socks, so I never feel like I'm slipping.[…]" — WELLness by Jess (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review .)
Looking for other products to make pain relief easier? Check out these finds, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.
Amazon
A cervical traction pillow for the neck and shoulders
According to one reviewer , this odd-shaped pillow made their shoulder pain "disappear completely" using a stretching technique called cervical traction, which involves gently creating space between the bones of the neck. The pillow is made from a dense foam and strategically follows the natural curvature of the spine to ease pain in as little as 10 minutes a day.
Promising review:"So here's a backstory, I have a pinched nerve and I am an artist who uses their hands A LOT. It causes me a lot of pain in my right hand, which causes my arm to go numb at night and aches all through the night. It stems from my shoulder and for the last several days I've been in a ton of pain, unable to sleep. I bought this on a whim with the hope for some relief in my neck and shoulder. As soon as it arrived I opened it and used it for less than a minute. That 45 seconds I was on it made my shoulder pain disappear completely. I was shocked.. but so happy to finally have this relief. Let me be clear, my back and shoulder is messed up from several things.. and it hurt because of the tension I've kept when I used this product. But it was the kind of pain you would get from a deep tissue massage or something like that. I've continued use through the day, using around 1-2 minutes total. No pain, no aches, my neck feels less tense and my shoulder pain is completely gone. I will continue using it daily! Highly recommended" — Z
Amazon
A podiatrist-approved foot stretcher for plantar fasciitis
Podiatrist Louis J. DeCaro previously told HuffPost that when it comes to managing plantar fasciitis pain, "the best a [person] can really do is stretch the posterior column which runs from the hamstring down to the calf, to the Achilles and through the bottom of the foot to connect to the plantar fascia."
DeCaro teaches his patients heel inversion stretches, which he said should be done "prior to all activities that involve running or long walks and should be done with the foot as neutral as possible."
Although you don't need a device for the heel inversion or posterior column stretches that DeCaro refers to, many Amazon reviewers claim that this rocking foot stretcher has made "a world of difference" in treating their plantar fasciitis pain. The rocker design holds the foot in the optimal position for an accurate and efficient stretch and has slip-resistant pads to keep the stretcher in place while in use.
Promising review:"I recently developed plantar fasciitis and it was causing me all kinds of pain in my knee, heel and ankle. Using this device before and after my runs made a world of difference. [The] pain is subsiding and I'm able to continue training. Such a great device for a hard-to-stretch area - highly recommend." — Bels
Amazon
An acupressure mat and pillow set
This mat and pillow set may seem intimidating, however an overwhelming number of reviewers swear by this accupressure tool to provide pain relief. Its cushioned surface is covered with over 10,000 hard plastic spikes that, though, are not a complete substitute for acupuncture, are meant to improve circulation and help relax muscles. The mat is available in both large (about 16 by 26 inches) and extra large (about 19 by 51 inches) sizes.
Promising review:"I cannot express enough how much I am in love with this accupressure mat!!!! Yes, it hurts at first for the first few minutes.... but chances are you got this because you have pain anyways....why not grimace for another few minutes to experience the relaxing, pain relieving result while you lay on it and after!! My friend recommended this to me because of my horrible back pains and back diagnoses. I had no clue what I was in for. I did almost want to give up when first laying on it because it does really hurt at first, but then my minute 2-4, it just kinda becomes warm and relaxing. Last time my back went out, it was for 3 months. I was basically bed-ridden. I wish I had had this mat back then. However, since then, I have had those moments where I felt like it was going to go out, I put on a full body meditation channel on youtube, relax myself, lay on the mat for all of 10 minutes (you can go longer), and I am back to feeling better and pain free. It is my understanding you will gain even greater health benefits if you can make this part of your daily routine, but I can vouch how incredible it is even if you just do it when needed because of an onset of pain. Please, do yourself a favor and get this. Research though, there are different levels and and numbers of spikes. I bought a different kind with a less spikey feel, and I will occasionally use that one for the lower half of my body, because for my pain relief I have learned I need the extra spikey feel to get down to my nerves, tissues and muscles I guess. Neck pillow on this one is too much for my neck, but I learned you can put a thin cloth, like slide a thin pillowcase over it and then I am able to use the neck pillow. Love love love this... it has saved me on multiple occasions!!!!" — Storm
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