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Calf Stretch

Picture of the calf stretch exercise

This exercise stretches the muscles at the back of the lower leg (the calf) and the Achilles tendon. Do this exercise 3 or 4 times a day, 5 days a week. To do this stretch:

  • Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Put the leg you want to stretch about a step behind your other leg.
  • Keeping your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee until you feel a stretch in the back leg.
  • Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Repeat the exercise with the back knee bent a little, still keeping your back heel on the floor. This will stretch a different part of the calf muscles.

Talk with your doctor or physical therapist if you have questions about how to do this or any other exercise.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Last Revised July 13, 2011

Last Revised: July 13, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

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