Improving Flexibility After Big Toe Surgery

Whether you needed a surgical procedure to address a bunion, a fracture or some other problem that compromised the integrity of your big toe, you’ll want to be proactive during your recovery in order to restore as much normal motion in your big toe as possible. Here are some tips to do just that, but as always, the advice of your treating physician trumps any general information you’ll read below.

1. Rest – One of the best things your can do for your big toe in the immediate aftermath of a surgical procedure is to give it plenty of rest. Tissue damage will be at its most severe in the first few days after your procedure, so give your body some time to recover from the rigors of a surgical operation. Rest alone won’t help you make the strongest recovery, but it helps to protect the area when it is at its most vulnerable after surgery.

2. Adherence To Doctor Recommendations – Similarly, you’ll want to follow your doctor’s specific instructions when it comes to activity restrictions. Do not drive or return to work before you have been given the green light by your physician. Pushing your body too hard too shortly after a procedure can to additional damage to recovering structures. If you want to make a strong recovery, you need to avoid a setback during rehab, and that begins by adhering to the restrictions put in place by your doctor.

3. Physical Therapy – After a few days or weeks, your doctor will likely refer you to a physical therapist for treatment. PT is the recovery technique that will do the most in terms of helping you regain as much flexibility and range of motion in the affected toe. Physical therapy helps by targeting specific soft tissues that have been damaged by the procedure or weakened as a result your recovery process. Simple movement exercises will strengthen and stabilize your big toe joint, which will expand your flexibility and make these movements more comfortable. Do not skip your outpatient or home-based PT exercises.

4. Stretch – Similarly, you can work to continue your recovery by doing some simple toe stretching exercises every day once you’ve been cleared for movement by your surgeon or PT. These stretching techniques are a little more informal than the exercises you’ll perform during your physical therapy sessions, but it will serve a similar purpose in the end. You can find some gentle toe stretching exercises by performing a simple Google search or by asking your PT for some exercises based on your specific needs. Some simple exercises include drawing each letter of the alphabet with your toe, or trying to pick up a marble or small towel off the floor using only your toes.

5. Keep Pushing – Finally, if you really want to restore normal motion in your big toe joint, you can’t settle for good enough. Even if any pain associated with your procedure has subsided, don’t give up on your therapy or stretching exercises until you’ve hit your recovery goals. Many people stop just short of a full recovery when all they needed was to keep pushing themselves a little longer. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete your toe mobility exercises and stretches, so do them every time you sit down to watch television on the couch or before your get out of bed each morning.

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