This exercise is typically performed when an Achilles or calf complaint is improving. Training the calf muscles is important to help create a strong ankle joint and to prevent Achilles and calf problems. Some strengthening exercises can have harmful effects, please ask your healthcare professional for advice on whether this Achilles and calf strengthening exercise is suitable for you.
Always consult a therapist first, to determine if this low back exercise is good for you. If you don't have a therapist yet, please find one near you by using our therapist map.
Special note: This strengthening exercise focuses on the muscle around the ankle joint. It can be performed very easily and is typically done by people who are recovering from ankle complaints. For example, an ankle sprain or ankle strain.
List of conditions which can benefit from this exercise
A diagnosis or exercise prescription for the following conditions should only be given by a medical doctor or your healthcare professional . This list has merely been provided to discuss with your therapist.
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendinosis
- Calf muscle strain
- Mechanical foot complaints
- Mechanical ankle complaints, ankle sprain, ankle strain, ankle ligamentous tear.
General tips for ankle, foot and calf exercises
- Foot, ankle or calf pain: Pain is a warning signal, never ignore it. If you experience pain while exercising please consult your healthcare professional for advice.
- Calf pain: calf pain could also come from a non-muscular origin. If in doubt, please contact your doctor.
- Warming up: This exercise should preferably not be done within the first 15 minutes of getting out of bed in the morning.
- Exercise both calves: This makes it easy to compare the injured and non-injured calf muscle.
- Speed: Do not hurry. This exercise should be done slowly.
- Stay alert: Think about the 'doing' of the exercise rather than performing the exercise automatically.
- Prevention: Do a proper warm up before doing exercises or sports. Make sure you run on flat surfaces. Try to avoid exercising or playing sports when you are in pain or when you are tired.
- RICE: For minor sprains or strains, the following abbreviation advice can be applied as a treatment: RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional first before doing any exercise.
Did you know?
Almost twenty million people visit healthcare professional in the United States each year. A healthcare professional could improve the movement and speed up the recovery of the ankle or foot.
