Ankle Pumps
Ankle/Foot
Phase 1
Sets
Reps
5
5
Week: 0-2
Ankle Pumps
Purpose: Improve circulation, help reduce swelling, and maintain ankle motion—especially helpful early after surgery.
Equipment: None.
How to do it:
1) Sit or lie with the leg supported.
2) Point toes away (plantarflexion), then pull toes toward you (dorsiflexion).
3) Move rhythmically without holding your breath.
Dosage: 5 sets of 20 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.
Tips:
- Combine with elevation and gentle compression if prescribed.
- If you feel calf pain, warmth, or swelling that’s worsening, contact your clinician promptly.
Comfort and safety:
Move slowly and stay in a comfortable range. A mild stretch or light muscle fatigue is okay; sharp pain is not.
Stop and contact your care team if you notice increasing swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or new/worsening numbness/tingling.
Follow any post-op precautions, lifting limits, and motion restrictions given by your surgeon or therapist.