Dismiss Modal

Management

Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion (Flexibility)

Choose a preferred language

These exercises are for your right foot. Switch sides for your left foot.

  1. Sit on a bed or the floor with your right leg out straight. Slightly bend your left knee.
  2. Flex your right foot back, pushing your heel forward and pulling your toes toward you. This is dorsiflexion. Hold for 5 seconds.
  3. Then move your foot in the opposite direction, pointing your foot and toes away from you. This is plantarflexion. Hold for 5 seconds.
  4. Repeat 5 times.
  5. To do the exercise with your left foot, straighten your left leg and slightly bend your right knee.
Leg from knee down showing foot doing ankle pumps.

Author: Wheeler, Brooke

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location

Related Services

Orthopedics Center

Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Back Care Tips

Read on for things you can do to prevent acute back pain from coming back, and to reduce chronic back pain symptoms.

Read article
Orthopedics
Back Safety: Sitting

Sitting can strain your back if you don't do it right. Learn the right moves to protect your back.

Read article
Orthopedics
Pendulum (Flexibility)

Follow this step-by-step exercise to increase your shoulder flexibility.

Read article
Orthopedics
Colles Wrist Fracture, No Reduction Needed

You have a break (fracture) of the forearm bone (radius) where it attaches to your wrist. It may be called a Colles fracture. The bone isn't out of place and won't need to be set (reduced). But you'll need a splint or cast.