Activation:
Can you lift your toes off the ground without raising the whole foot?
Can you raise your big toe separately? Can you raise the rest of your toes separately?
Can you lift your toes off the ground one by one?
(in a waving motion, starting with the big toe)
How far can you spread your toes? Can you reach the pen with your little toe?
Exercises for the mobility of the big toe, to be precise the joint, such as isolated movement and spreading can help with hallux valgus.
Agility:
Can you grab and pick up a clothes peg (or similar object) with your toes?
Can you grab and pick up a pen with your toes?
Can you crumple up a sheet of paper or newspaper only with your foot?
What about your standing position? Are you able to hold on to the paper strips by evenly distributing pressure on the heel, inner and outer edge of the foot?
Exercises for gripping objects are particularly suitable for strengthening muscles and tissue. They can help to build up and strenghten the arch of the foot.
Stretching:
Calf: Roll up a towel and place your toes on it.The heel stays on the ground. Both legs remain straight and the hip stays above the rear ankle joint.
Gripping muscles: First bring the upper part of your toes to the ground and push your foot slightly forward. Then turn the toes inside out and stretch the back of the foot.
Spread your toes (passively): Put your fingers between the toes and gently push them apart.
Foot arch: Reach around the back of your foot with one hand from the inner side and with the other hand around your toes from the outer side. Now twist your foot.
