Exercises / Leg & ankle
Standing ankle circles
- Mobility
- Leg & ankle
- Chair or wall for support
Gentle active ankle motion in a circle with the working foot held clear of the floor.
Also called ankle circles, ankle circumduction.
Where you stand
No published distribution for this exercise yet. We add one only from a peer-reviewed study.
Muscles worked
Filled: primary. Outlined: secondary.
How much
Suggested start: 5-10 slow circles in each direction per ankle, as tolerated.
Start: Standing on one leg with a hand on support
Steps
- Stand near a chair or wall and lift one foot slightly off the floor.
- Keep the thigh and shin mostly still while tracing a slow circle with the toes.
- Reverse direction, then switch feet.
Cues
- Move within a comfortable range
- Draw the circle from the ankle, not by swinging the whole leg
Common mistakes
- Rapid, jerky circles
- Rolling the entire leg instead of moving the foot
Used for
- Gentle active ankle mobility after stiffness
- Ankle movement practice during rehabilitation
Take care (1)
- Use the handhold for balance. Follow injury or postoperative movement restrictions; avoid forcing a painful arc.
Evidence (2)
Harder
References (2)
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Martin RL, Davenport TE, Fraser JJ, et al. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(4):CPG1-CPG80. Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments: lateral ankle ligament sprains revision 2021