Metatarsals are the five bones found in each foot between your tarsal bones and the phalanges. While removal of multiple metatarsals in one foot is rare, individual metatarsal or partial metatarsal removal is often due to arthritis or severe bunions. After surgery, you will be required to put no weight on the foot and may be immobilized in a cast. Consult your doctor prior to performing any weight bearing or strengthening exercises with respect to your foot.
Stretching Exercises
Prior to putting weight on your foot post-surgery, stretching exercises will be administered by your doctor in an effort to keep your toe joints from stiffening up, as well as to improve your range of motion. Two weeks after surgery, begin stretching exercises by lifting your toe up from its base towards your shin until you feel a stretch or slight discomfort. Hold this position for 10 seconds before relaxing your toe. After 10 repetitions, push your toe down from the base of the toe until you feel a stretch in the opposite direction. Repeat with all five toes until fatigued. You can do the four smaller toes at one time if you cannot move your toes independently.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises should be performed three to four weeks after surgery and will help you prepare to put your full body weight on your injured foot. Resistance band exercises and water resistance exercises will help you strengthen your feet without putting extensive strain on your foot. Sit down on the ground with your injured leg extended and your other leg bent at the knee. Wrap a resistance band around the middle portion of your injured foot, holding the ends of the band with both hands. Pull the band in towards your body, tightening it against your foot. Resist the pressure with your foot by pushing outward. Hold for 10 seconds, repeating until fatigued.
Rotation Exercises
To complement the stretching exercises you will perform post-surgery, toe rotation exercises can also help you improve range of motion in your toes and prevent your toes from stiffening. While seated on the ground, grab one toe around its base. Rotate the toe slightly to the left until you feel a stretch. Hold the stretch for several seconds, and then rotate the toe to the right. Repeat with all injured toes until fatigued.
Weight Bearing Exercises
After six to seven weeks of steady rehabilitation, weight bearing exercises can be administered in an effort to begin walking normally. Flexion exercises will help you strengthen your toes and feet. With a crutch under your arm on your non-injured side, place your injured foot flat on the floor. Rise up onto the ball of your foot and your toes, lifting your heel off of the floor. Hold this position for five seconds before relaxing. Perform 10 repetitions.
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