Step up
Step up

- Place a single-step footstool on the floor. If you do not have a footstool, you can use a thick book, such as a phone book, a dictionary, or an encyclopedia. If you are not steady on your feet, hold on to a chair, counter, or wall while you do this exercise.
- Keeping your back straight, step up with your affected leg. Try not to push off your back leg as you step up. Only use your affected leg to bring you up on to the step. Then lift your other leg on to the step. As you step up, try to keep your knee moving in a straight line with your middle toe.
- Move back to the starting position, with both feet on the floor.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
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