A bunion is an abnormal, bony growth that forms on the joint of the big toe, according to Mayoclinic.com. It causes your big toe to point inward and crowd against your other toes. This can cause pain, disfiguring of the foot and even difficulty wearing shoes or walking. Surgery is the most invasive treatment for bunions and is used after other types of treatments, such as special shoe inserts, have not provided relief. Like any other surgery, there is a recovery and healing period after which you may require physiotherapy for your toe and foot before returning to normal exercise and activity.
Range of Motion
Step 1
Start range-of-motion exercises with your doctor's permission, usually the third or fourth week after surgery. Grasp your big toe gently with your thumb and forefinger, near the base of the toe joint. Flex your big toe slowly upward using your hand. You may feel mild resistance because the joint will be stiff.
Step 2
Hold the big toe in the upward flexed position for 10 seconds. Release and allow the toe to return to the normal position. Repeat this upward motion three times.
Step 3
Flex the big toe downward using your fingers. Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat three times. This range-of-motion exercise helps reduce stiffness in the joint that results because of the healing of the bones, muscles and ligaments of the joint following surgery. It also improves circulation to the big toe.
Strengthening the Joint
Step 1
Move on to strengthening exercises with your doctor's permission after a few weeks of range-of-motion exercises. Stand up straight on a firm surface with bare feet in front of a sturdy chair or table. Grasp the chair or table with both hands for support.
Step 2
Rock back slowly so your body weight is shifted to your heels. Remain in this position for a count of three. Return to the starting position, standing flat on your feet.
Step 3
Move your weight forward on your feet, flexing your toes so that your weight is shifted to your toes. Remain in this position standing on your toes for a count of three. Relax and continue the exercise for 10 to 15 repetitions. This exercise helps strengthen your toe and foot joints.
Light Exercise
Step 1
Return to light exercise with your doctor's permission. Stand up straight in front of an incline or ramp or a short set of four to five steps. Grasp the safety bar or hand rail with one hand and slowly place one foot in front of you to begin walking up the stairs or incline.
Step 2
Climb the stairs or walk up the incline slowly. When you reach the top, turn around and return to the bottom. Repeat the exercise five to 10 times. This exercise helps you return to normal exercise.
Step 3
Go for a short walk by walking for 10 to 15 minutes on a dirt or grassy path. Wear exercise shoes that support your feet. Increase your walking time by three to five minutes every day for up to a month. These exercises help you return to regular physical exercise.
Tips and Warnings
- There are several reasons that bunions can occur, including wearing shoes that fit incorrectly or too tightly at the toes. They can also be caused by arthritis and other disorders that affect the foot joints. It is important to know the cause of your bunion to prevent it from forming again. Your doctor can correctly diagnose the cause of your bunion.
- Do not begin physiotherapy or exercise until you have been given the clearance to go ahead by your doctor or surgeon. Your physiotherapist can show you how to correctly perform each exercise. If you experience pain, immediately stop the exercise and inform your doctor.
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