Ankle and foot · Strengthening

Heel Rise on Tiptoe with Opposite Leg Elevation

Heel rise on tiptoe with contralateral leg elevation, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side

Illustration of the Heel Rise on Tiptoe with Opposite Leg Elevation exercise

Listen to the instructions

How to do the exercise

Sets: 3

Repetitions: 10 per side

Description: Stand upright, then slowly rise onto the tiptoe of one foot while lifting the opposite leg straight back. Lower gently back to the starting position without losing balance.

Tips: Keep your back straight and gaze forward to maintain balance. Perform the movement slowly and control the ascent and descent to effectively strengthen the ankle.

Progression: Gradually increase the number of repetitions or add a slight weight to the lifted ankle as the exercise becomes easier.

At a glance

Goal
Strengthening
Level
Intermediate
Equipment
none
Starting position
Standing upright with feet flat on the ground
Clinical goal
Strengthen the foot and ankle
Also known as
heel raise with leg lift, balance on tiptoe with back leg raised, opposite leg elevation on tiptoe

Precautions

Avoid this exercise, or check with your physiotherapist first, if you have:

Are you a physiotherapist?

Add this exercise to a personalised program in Physia: the AI builds the program in 30 seconds from the condition, then you send it to your patient by link, QR code or email.

Patient? Ask your physio to send your program to the free Physia Move app. Open Physia Move

Similar exercises — Ankle and foot

See all ankle and foot exercises →

This information is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Ask your physiotherapist or doctor before starting, especially if you have pain, a recent injury or have had surgery.