Big toe exercises can help to strengthen the toe and relieve pain and stiffness. They are beneficial for rehabilitation if you have suffered from an injury such as turf toe or you have had bunion surgery. Big toe exercises can help to increase the toe's flexibility and range of motion.
Anatomy
The big toe is comprised of two bones, the upper one being the distal phalanx and the lower one being the proximal phalanx, which is connected to the first metatarsal. Common causes of pain in the big toe include bunion surgery, arthritis, turf toe and gout. Pain may also be caused by hallux rigidus; a degenerative form of osteoarthritis which causes the big toe to become rigid.
Range of Motion Exercises
If you have had surgery to remove a bunion you may be experiencing some stiffness in your big toe joint. Range of motion therapy is important to help prevent pain and stiffness and to speed up your recovery. Daily exercises should be practiced for up to eight weeks after surgery. You should begin by gently flexing the big toe upwards and downwards for the first week; you may use your finger to flex your toe at first if it is very stiff. After the first two weeks you should flex your toe by placing your foot on the ground and raising the heel, applying gradual pressure to the ball of the foot.
Flexions
Turf toe is a common sports injury that occurs when the big toe is made to extend beyond its normal range of motion. One of the best rehabilitation exercises for turf toe is toe flexions. For this you should stand with your injured foot slightly in front of the other. Bend your knee and turn your foot so that the top of the injured toe is on the floor. Press down gently then lift the injured foot from the floor and flex the big toe upwards.
Distraction and Manipulation
If you have had foot surgery or you suffer from gout or arthritis, another helpful exercise is the distraction and manipulation exercise. For this you will hold your big toe behind the joint with one hand and at the base with the other. Hold your foot steady with the first hand while gently pushing the big toe upwards with the other. Repeat for 10 times, then rest. This exercise can accompany the range of motion exercise.
Member Comments