Surgery is sometimes necessary to improve the condition of a foot with bunions. It is a serious surgery that requires physical therapy and almost constant exercise to prevent the joint from becoming stiff. By doing these exercises as recommended by your doctor, you will hasten recovery and maintain full range of motion in your affected toes.
Flex your toes
Use your hand to flex and manipulate your toes. With your doctor's permission, beginning in the third and fourth weeks, flex your toe upward as far as you can comfortably. Then move it in the opposite direction. Do this two or three times a day. At five weeks, increase the frequency of this exercise. Also gently separate your big toe from your other toes and hold for a few seconds.
Weight bearing
Lift your heel off the floor, putting your weight on your toes. This will force your toe to flex upwards. Hold this pose for 10 seconds. If your toe can't tolerate 10 seconds at first, then start with three to four seconds and work your way up. This exercise is safe to begin at six or seven weeks after surgery.
Massage
Massage the toe and scar area with Vitamin E oil to soften the scar tissue and ease stiffness. Rub the foot in the direction of the leg to move any swelling out of the foot. You can massage the bottom of your foot by rolling it on a tennis ball or rolling pin.
Toe curls
To encourage your toe to curl, you can practice picking up items with your toes. You can pick up a pile of socks one at a time with your toes. You can practice picking up a towel while watching television. Once you can pick up towels and socks, try picking up pencils and marbles.
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