Toe Fracture: Rehab Exercises
Introduction
Here are some examples of exercises for you to try. The exercises may be suggested for a condition or for rehabilitation. Start each exercise slowly. Ease off the exercises if you start to have pain.
You will be told when to start these exercises and which ones will work best for you.
How to do the exercises
Passive toe stretch
slide 1 of 5, Passive toe stretch,
- Sit on the floor, with the heel of your affected foot on the floor. Use one hand to hold your foot steady.
- Using the thumb and index (pointing) finger of your other hand, slowly bend your toe forward and then backward. Hold each position for about 15 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Toe curl
slide 2 of 5, Toe curl,
- Sit on the floor, with the heel of your affected foot on the floor.
- Gently curl your toes forward and then backward. Hold each position for about 6 seconds.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
- It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other foot.
Towel scrunch
slide 3 of 5, Towel scrunch,
- Sit in a chair, and place your affected foot on a towel on a hard floor (not a floor with carpet).
- Scrunch the towel toward you with your toes. Then use your toes to push the towel back into place.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
- It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other foot.
Make this exercise more challenging by placing a weighted object, such as a soup can, on the other end of the towel.
Marble pickups
slide 4 of 5, Marble pickups,
- Put some marbles, dice, or small smooth rocks on the floor next to a cup.
- Sit in a chair, and use the toes of your affected foot to lift up one item from the floor. Then try to put the item in the cup.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
- It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other foot.
Calf stretch (seated, knee straight)
slide 5 of 5, Calf stretch (seated, knee straight),
- Sit on the floor with your affected leg straight and resting on the floor.
- Place a towel around your affected foot.
- Hold one end of the towel in each hand.
- Pull back gently with the towel so that you feel a stretch in your calf.
- Hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
- It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other leg.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Current as of: July 17, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
