Lie on your back with your affected leg straight. You can bend your other leg, if that feels more comfortable.
Tighten the thigh muscles in your affected leg by pressing the back of your knee down. Hold your knee straight.
Keeping the thigh muscles tight and your leg straight, lift your affected leg up so that your heel is about 12 inches off the floor. Hold for about 6 seconds, then lower slowly.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.
It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other leg.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff Clinical Review Board All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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