Single-Leg Weight Shifts
Builds confidence putting weight through the new ankle joint.
What it helps
Builds confidence loading one leg fully — an early step toward steady single-leg standing and walking.
How to do it
- Stand with a counter to one side, one hand resting on it, feet hip-width apart.
- Slowly shift your weight over the surgical side, then back to centre.
- Both feet stay flat on the floor throughout — this is a shift of weight, not a step.
- Hold a little longer on that side as comfort allows.
Tips
- Your hand is there for balance, not to hold you up.
- Neither heel should lift — if one does, shift less far.
- Let comfort guide how much weight you put through the surgical side.
Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, daily.
Where this appears in recovery
Single-Leg Weight Shifts is part of 22 recovery programs, most often at the strength & function (weeks 6–12), weight-bearing & strength (months 3–6) and strength & function (months 3–6) stages, among others. Each program shows how it fits alongside the other movements:
- Tarsal Tunnel Release exercise guide
- Distal Fibula Fracture ORIF exercise guide
- Achilles Tendon Lengthening exercise guide
- Lapidus Bunionectomy exercise guide
- Subtalar Fusion exercise guide
- First MTP Fusion (Hallux Rigidus) exercise guide
- Achilles Tendon Reconstruction exercise guide
- Bunionectomy (Double Osteotomy) exercise guide
- Triple Arthrodesis exercise guide
- Flexor Tendon Repair (Leg) exercise guide
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Reconstruction exercise guide
- Hammertoe Correction exercise guide
- …and 10 more
All exercise guides · Condition guides · Recovery education
These are general exercise guides, not a personal prescription. The repetitions and frequency shown are what's commonly used — your own surgeon or therapist may advise something different, and their guidance comes first.