Body Parts
Ankle & Foot
Feel free to click on any of the headings below to jump right to the section you need.
Click each link above or scroll down to explore Stretches, Exercises and helpful Posture Do’s/Don’ts for your lower leg, ankle, or foot.
If you require any further assistance with these stretches/exercises or have questions about information provided please contact your Work-Fit representative here! We are happy to help!
Regular physical activity is safe for most people. However, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or have never participated in regular exercise, check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Tips For Success
- Breathe comfortably and maintain good posture throughout the exercises.
- Engage the muscles of your abdomen throughout the exercises to assist with posture and protect the back.
Mobility
Repeat 5 times in each direction
Ankle Circles
While holding onto a sturdy object for balance, slowly move your foot/ankle in a circular motion (both directions). Try to avoid moving your hip/knee to compensate for limited range of motion in your ankle.
Stretches
Hold each stretch for 15-60 seconds and repeat 2-4 times.
Calf Stretch
Put the ball of your foot on the wall, keep heel on the floor, lean into wall.
Shin Stretch
(Passive): Sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Have someone push down on your feet.
(Active): Sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Point your toes as far as you can, curling your toes for an additional stretch.
Plantar Fascia Stretch
Using a solid round object, start at your heel applying downward pressure and roll up to the ball of foot, then roll back to your heel.
Exercises
Start with 1 set of 10. Gradually increase to 2 to 3 sets of 10 with a short rest in between sets.
Towel Scrunches
Sitting in a chair, lay a towel flat on the floor. Curl your toes scrunching the towel. Repeat on opposite side.
Calf Raises
Start with your feet shoulder width apart, stand near a stable surface to assist with balance, slowly go up on your toes.
Single Leg Balance
Maintain good posture, slowly raise one knee and hold. Can stand on mat or challenging surface to increase difficulty OR on the floor. Stand near a stable surface to assist.
Single Leg Balance on Bosu
Plantar-flexion Theraband
Dorsiflexion Theraband
Inversion Theraband
Eversion Theraband
Posture
Do:
Practice these safe postures
- Point toes forward
- Sit in a 90/90 position with feet flat on floor
Don’t:
Do not adopt these postures
- Standing on tiptoes for prolonged periods of time
- Sitting with feet hooked on chair legs
- Sitting with feet on tiptoes
- Sitting with ankles crossed and legs extended
- Sitting with ankles crossed and feet flat on the floor