This exercise stretches the muscles at the back of the lower leg (the calf) and the Achilles tendon. Do this exercise 3 or 4 times a day, 5 days a week. To do this stretch:

• Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Put the leg you want to stretch about a step behind your other leg.
• Keeping your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee until you feel a stretch in the back leg.
• Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Repeat the exercise with the back knee bent a little, still keeping your back heel on the floor. This will stretch a different part of the calf muscles.

Talk with your doctor or physical therapist if you have questions about how to do this or any other exercise.