Phase 1 Overview
Phase 1 of 4
Calm down the more irritable pattern while preserving movement and introducing tolerable calf and plantar fascia loading.
Phase 1Typical: 2–4 weeksCriteria-Based
Primary Goals
What this phase is trying to accomplish
First-Step Symptoms
Reduce the irritability of morning and post-rest symptoms.
Walking Tolerance
Keep normal walking as comfortable as reasonably possible.
Mobility
Restore or maintain calf and ankle mobility without aggressive stretching.
Basic Loading
Introduce tolerable plantar-flexor and plantar fascia loading while learning the next-day response.
Progression Rule
The calendar does not decide when you advance
Use the suggested timeframe only to set expectations. Advance when your current activity and exercise load are being tolerated well enough to begin the demands of the next phase without a meaningful next-morning symptom increase.