You may have toe surgery to repair a fracture, eliminate stiffness, remove a bunion or fix a toe abnormality such as a hammer toe. Surgery can help to eliminate pain and restore normal function in your toe. Following toe surgery, your surgeon may recommend exercises to increase range of motion, reduce stiffness and to decrease your chances of developing scarred tissue following surgery. Always wait for the approval of your surgeon before beginning post-surgery toe exercises.
Assisted Range of Motion
An assisted range of motion exercise can help prevent stiffness and reduce scarring following your toe surgery. Complete this range of motion exercise while seated. Bend your knee so that you are able to reach your affected toe. Gently grasp your toe using your hand. Slowly pull your toe upwards as far as you comfortably can. Hold this position for five seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times. Next, gently bend your toe downward using your hand. Stretch as far as you can comfortably go. Hold this position for a count of five. Relax and repeat 10 times. Complete assisted range of motion exercises three times per day.
Toe Raises
Toe raises can help to increase the strength in your toe following surgery. Stand straight up with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Stand behind a counter, table or other secure item. Grasp your hands on this item for support. Slowly raise up off of your heels onto your toes. Hold this position for a count of 10 seconds, or as long as you can tolerate. Relax and repeat 10 times.
Toe Spreads
Toe spreads can help increase the flexibility in your toes following toe surgery. Place your affected foot flat on the floor. Gently try to spread your toes as far as apart as your post-surgery toe will allow. Hold this position for a count of five seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times. Complete three sets of this exercise throughout the day.
Pencil Lifting
This exercise helps to decrease stiffness in your toes following surgery. Sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight and your feet resting on the ground in front of you. Place a pencil on the ground just in front of your affected foot. Position your foot over the pencil so that the pencil is touching the back of your toes. Squeeze your toes around the pencil and pick it up. Hold the pencil with your toes long enough so that you can lift the pencil over near your healthy foot. Relax and repeat 10 times. Complete three repetitions throughout the day.
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