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Stretches for Achilles Tendon Problems

To do effective stretching exercises, hold each stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Don't bounce while you stretch. Just relax and breathe freely.

It's a good idea to do these stretches on both legs, even if you only have problems with one of your Achilles tendons. Stretch one leg first, and then the other.

Toe stretch

Picture of the toe stretch
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  1. Sit in a chair and extend your affected leg so that your heel is on the floor.
  2. With your hand, reach down and pull your big toe up and back (toward your ankle and away from the floor).
  3. Hold the position for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, up to 5 sessions a day.

The next three exercises are often done in a progression (meaning you do the most gentle exercise for a few days, then move on to the more vigorous exercises). Start with the calf-plantar fascia stretch and then move on to the calf chair stretch and the stair stretch. Talk to your health professional about how long you should do each one before moving on to the next one.

Calf-plantar fascia stretch

Picture of the calf-plantar fascia stretch
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  1. Sit with your legs extended and your knees straight.
  2. Loop an elastic band or towel around the leg to be stretched. Position the band or towel so that it goes around your foot just under the toes.
  3. Hold each end of the towel or band in each hand, with your hands positioned above your knees. A towel will give you a more effective stretch.
  4. Pull back with the towel or band so that your foot stretches toward you.
  5. Hold the position for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  6. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, up to 5 sessions a day.

Calf stretch

Picture of the calf stretch
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  1. Place your hands on a wall for balance. You can also do this with your hands on the back of a chair, a countertop, or a tree.
  2. Step back with your left leg. Keep the leg straight, and press your left heel into the floor.
  3. Press your hips forward, bending your right leg slightly. You will feel the stretch in your left calf.
  4. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat 2 to 4 times for each leg.

Stair stretch

Picture of the stair stretch
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  1. Stand with the balls of both feet on the edge of a stair or curb (or even a medium phone book), with at least one hand holding on to something solid, such as a banister or handrail, to help you keep your balance.
  2. Keeping your affected leg straight, slowly let that heel hang down off of the stair or curb until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf and/or Achilles area. Some of your weight should still be on the other leg.
  3. Hold this position for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, up to 5 times a day or whenever your Achilles tendon starts to feel tight.

This stretch can also be done with your knee slightly bent.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy
Last Revised January 3, 2011

Last Revised: January 3, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy

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