Ankle & Foot Exercises After Proximal Hamstring Repair

By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA

The circulation and mobility exercises Dr. Kelly gives his patients while a proximal hamstring repair heals — ankle and foot movements only, no active knee bending.

Educational information, not medical advice. This is not a substitute for the specific instructions Dr. Kelly and your physical therapist give you. Your timeline depends on your surgery, your body, and your progress. Follow your own care team’s directions. In an emergency, call 911.

Precautions — read first

These exercises keep your circulation moving and your ankle and foot limber while your hamstring repair heals. Do NOT actively bend your knee or stretch the back of your thigh — follow your brace and weight-bearing instructions exactly. These are ankle and foot movements only.

Ankle Pumps 10–15 times · every hour awake

With your leg supported, pull your toes up toward your head as far as comfortable, then point them down. Move slowly and smoothly — this also helps prevent blood clots.

Ankle Side-to-Side 10 each way · 3–5×/day

With your leg supported, slowly turn the sole of your foot inward, then outward, within a comfortable range. Keep the motion at the ankle, not the knee or hip.

Toe Curls & Spreads 10–15 times · 3×/day

Curl your toes down as if gripping a towel, then spread them wide. You can place a small towel under your foot and scrunch it for light resistance.

When to call

Stop and call the office if you notice calf pain or swelling, or numbness or tingling in the foot: (509) 460-5588. For chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.

Questions about your recovery?

Dr. Kelly sees patients at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick.

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