Foot and ankle conditioning program

This foot and ankle conditioning program should be continued for 4 to 6 weeks, unless otherwise specified by your doctor or physical therapist. After your recovery, these exercises can be continued as a maintenance program for lifelong protection and health of your feet and lower legs. Performing the exercises three to five days a week will maintain strength and range of motion in your foot and ankle.

These general conditioning programs provide a wide range of exercises. To ensure that the programs are safe and effective for you, they should be performed under your doctor’s supervision.

Strength
Strengthening the muscles that support your lower leg, foot, and ankle will help keep your ankle joint stable. Keeping these muscles strong can relieve foot and ankle pain and prevent further injury.

Flexibility
Stretching the muscles that you strengthen is important for restoring range of motion and preventing injury. Gently stretching after strengthening exercises can help reduce muscle soreness and keep your muscles long and flexible.

Target Muscles
The muscle groups of the lower leg are targeted in this conditioning program, as well as the tendons and ligaments that control movement in your feet.

Source Rehabilitation Exercise and Conditioning Handouts in American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons AAOS