Ankle Pumps

Ankle pumps are the simplest exercise in this library and one of the most important after surgery. Moving the feet up and down squeezes the calf muscles, which helps push blood back up the legs. They also keep the ankles from stiffening during bed rest.

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT, licensed in the US and UK.

1. Pull your toes up towards you
2. Point your toes away from you, then repeat

How to do it

  1. 1

    Lie on your back or sit with your legs out straight.

  2. 2

    Pull your toes up towards you as far as is comfortable, so you feel the front of the shin working.

  3. 3

    Then point your toes away from you, so you feel the calf working.

  4. 4

    Keep the movement smooth and rhythmic, about one second each way.

  5. 5

    You can work both feet together or one at a time.

How many

15 to 20 pumps every hour while you are awake during bed rest or the first days after surgery. Otherwise, 2 to 3 sets a day.

Common mistakes

Moving only the toes. The whole foot should move at the ankle.

Doing too few. After surgery the benefit comes from doing them often.

Stopping once you are home. Keep going until you are walking around normally.

Make it easier

Make smaller movements, or do one foot at a time.

Make it harder

Add ankle circles in both directions, or loop a light resistance band around the foot. Your physiotherapist will move you on to standing calf exercises such as heel raises.

Who it helps

The first days after knee, hip or other surgery
Bed rest after illness or a hospital stay
Swollen ankles after a fracture
Older adults who sit or lie for long periods
Long flights and car journeys

When to stop and check

Ankle pumps help circulation but do not replace any blood-thinning medicine or stockings your doctor has prescribed. A calf that becomes painful, swollen, red or warm, especially after surgery, needs urgent medical attention.

Not sure you are doing it right? A physiotherapist can watch you on a video call, correct your form and build a full programme around it.

Get my form checked

Frequently asked questions

Why do hospitals ask patients to do ankle pumps after surgery?
Lying still slows blood flow in the legs, which raises the risk of clots. Ankle pumps make the calf muscles squeeze the veins and keep blood moving. They are one part of clot prevention, alongside walking early and any medicine your doctor prescribes.
How often should I do ankle pumps?
In the first days after surgery or during bed rest, around 15 to 20 every hour while awake is a common instruction. Your surgeon or physiotherapist may give you a specific number.

Related

Online physiotherapy: Knee Replacement RehabilitationOnline physiotherapy: Hip Replacement RehabilitationWeek-by-Week Recovery After Knee ReplacementWeakness After a Hospital Stay: Helping an Older Parent Recover

More ankle, calf and balance exercises

Calf StretchHeel RaisesSingle Leg BalanceAll exercises
Dr. Rajendra

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT. Licensed to practice in the US (NY state) and UK (HCPC).
20 years of clinical experience. About Dr. Rajendra