Start day 3 (after operation)
Rehabilitation Exercises – Day 3 Post Operatively (5 times / day)
Big Toe Joint Exercises : Aim – To restore big toe joint movements
1. Seated heel raises x 20: Sit with foot flat on floor, knees bent 90⁰ keeping toes on floor, raise heel to the limit of pain and return
2. Toe lifts x 20: Sit with foot flat on floor, raise toe as far as possible to ceiling and return
3. Toe bends x 20: Sit with toes resting over the edge of a phone book, bend toes towards the floor
4. Toe pulls x 20: Pull toe up with hand to pain and hold for 3 seconds, relax
5. Toe pushes x 20: Push toe down with hand to pain and hold for 3 seconds, relax
Rehabilitation Exercises – After 1 week Post Operatively (or sooner if you are able) (5 times / day)
6. Standing both heel raises x 20: Stand close to a wall for balance, raise heels to the limit of toe pain and hold for 3 seconds
7. Standing single heel raises x 20: Stand close to a wall for balance, stand on one leg, raise heel to the limit of toe pain and hold for 3 seconds
8. Continue exercise 3, 4 and 5
Ankle and Calf Exercises : Aim – To maintain muscle tone, strength and mobility
Ankle and Calf: ankle plantar flexion (tip toe position) and dorsiflexion (bring foot up), strengthening of the peroneal muscles (bring foot out to the side)
Gait training: Optimise load distribution for the whole foot focusing on weight bearing of the first MTP (big toe) joint and hallux (big toe)