Hallux Rigidus Exercises Handout

Importance of hallux rigidus exercises

Engaging patients in hallux rigidus exercises is crucial for healthcare professionals aiming to manage symptoms and improve toe function. These exercises help maintain joint mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles around the joint, preventing further deterioration. By incorporating these exercises into treatment plans, professionals can enhance patient outcomes, improve daily activity performance, and reduce the likelihood of secondary complications such as gait alterations leading to knee, hip, or back issues.

Remember that consistent exercise is vital to managing hallux rigidus effectively. Incorporating these exercises into physical therapy programs can further enhance patient outcomes.

5 exercises for hallux rigidus

Regularly performing the following exercises can help alleviate the symptoms of hallux rigidus and improve toe mobility and strength.

1. Toe pulls

Toe pulls help stretch the big toe joint, increasing mobility and promoting a normal walking pattern. To perform this exercise, lift the patient’s sore foot onto a chair and hold it still where the toes meet the foot. Using the other hand, gently pull the big toe forward and flex it down, feeling a gentle stretch. Hold this position for 10-20 seconds to enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness.

2. Extension stretches

Extension stretches aim to reduce stiffness in the big toe by encouraging a full range of motion and improving big toe extension. Instruct the patient to sit on a chair and lift the sore foot onto their other knee. Hold the heel in one hand and use the other to pull the big toe back toward the ankle, feeling a gentle stretch along the bottom of the foot. Maintain this stretch for 15-30 seconds to improve joint flexibility and ease pain.

3. Towel curl

The towel curl exercise is designed to build strength in the big toe, which is crucial for maintaining foot function. Strengthening the muscles around the affected joint can help alleviate symptoms of hallux rigidus. Have the patient sit comfortably on a chair with a small hand towel on the ground under the sore foot. Scrunch the towel by curling the toes and then flatten it by spreading them out. Once comfortable, try the exercise while standing to enhance strength further.

4. Toe press, point, and curl

This exercise works the entire foot, offering mobility and strength benefits while keeping the feet flat on the ground. Instruct the patient to sit in a straight-back chair with feet on the floor. Press the toes into the ground, raising the heel, then point the toes while the heel is still raised, and finally, curl the toes under. Hold each position for five seconds and repeat the sequence to improve overall foot function.

5. Toe salutes

Toe salutes focus on stretching the big toe and building strength while maintaining control of the other toes. This exercise can help alleviate big toe pain by improving strength and flexibility. Have the patient sit in a chair with legs at 90 degrees. Raise the big toe off the ground and hold for 5 seconds, keeping the other toes on the floor. Then, lift the other four toes off the ground while keeping the big toe down, and hold for another 5 seconds. Repeat the exercise with the other foot to balance strength and flexibility.

How to use our hallux rigidus treatment exercises handout

Our hallux rigidus treatment exercises handout is designed to help healthcare professionals guide their patients through exercises that can alleviate symptoms and improve toe mobility. Follow these steps to use the handout effectively:

Step 1: Download and review the template

Start by downloading the hallux rigidus treatment exercises handout. Review the exercises to ensure you understand their techniques and benefits.

Step 2: Educate the patient

Explain the importance of these exercises to your patient, including how they can help reduce pain and improve the mobility of the big toe. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to the development of hallux rigidus. Discuss the condition and the expected outcomes of regular exercise.

Step 3: Demonstrate the exercises

Show the patient how to perform each exercise correctly. These exercises are designed to alleviate symptoms of a stiff big toe caused by hallux rigidus. Demonstrate the toe pulls, extension stretches, towel curls, toe presses, point and curls, and toe salutes. Make sure the patient understands the proper form and duration for each exercise.

Step 4: Provide a personalized exercise plan

Based on the patient's specific condition and needs, recommend how often they should perform each exercise and how many repetitions are appropriate. Customize the plan to fit their daily routine and capabilities.

Step 5: Schedule follow-up sessions

Arrange follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s progress. Adjust the exercise plan as needed based on their improvement and feedback. Provide continuous support and encouragement to help them stay committed to the exercise regimen.

How will professionals benefit from using this handout?

Our Hallux Rigidus Exercises Handout provides multiple benefits for healthcare professionals, enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.

Improved patient engagement

By providing clear, easy-to-follow exercises, healthcare professionals can engage patients in their treatment plans and encourage active participation and commitment.

Enhanced treatment outcomes

Regular practice of these exercises can help manage hallux rigidus symptoms, improve patient mobility, and reduce pain. Exercises targeting the whole foot can improve overall foot function and relieve pain.

Streamlined patient education

The handout serves as an educational tool, simplifying the explanation of hallux rigidus and the associated exercises, making it easier for professionals to educate patients effectively.