Big toe strengthening - great toe flexion with band

[@joshuagoldstein8116]

Is this suitable as an exercise a year after a 1st MTP fusion? I'm trying to find foot strengthenimg protocols suitable for a healed 1st MTP fusion.

[@TheHandyTherapist]

If the MTP is fused you probably won’t be able to do this exercise. The MTP joint is the main joint moving in this exercise. There are many other foot exercises you can do to strengthen your feet and reduce the chance of aggravating that fusion. It’s too late now, but many of those exercises may have eliminated the need for the fusion. (But obviously I don’t know your situation, so I can’t say that for sure)

[@joshuagoldstein8116]

@@TheHandyTherapist Thanks. I thought that moving the band up might have allowed me to strengthen the final joint in the toe. Can you suggest other foot/toe strengthening exercises suitable for a foot with a 1st MTP fusion? It's surprisingly difficult to find this information on the net.

[@TheHandyTherapist]

@@joshuagoldstein8116 I don’t love prescribing specific exercises without evaluating people first. But if you just go through the foot/ankle exercises playlists. Any of the exercises you can do, should help some. Also making sure you massage the scar tissue around the surgery site once the wound has healed