Bunion (Hallux Valgus) — Complete Exercise Program

Big Toe Stretch & Mobility

Keeps the big-toe joint moving — important for a smooth push-off when walking.

What it helps: Keeps the big-toe joint moving — the joint you push off through with every step — so walking stays smooth and comfortable.

1. Sit and cross the affected foot over the other knee. Gently bend the big toe up (toward the shin), then down.
2. Hold a gentle stretch at each end.
3. You can also press the big toe gently against the floor and lift, working the joint.

Tips:

• Gentle motion and stretch — don't force a stiff joint.
• Good big-toe extension is key for walking comfortably.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10 / hold 15–20 sec, daily.

Toe Spreading Exercises

Gently activates and separates the toes after neuroma removal.

What it helps: Gently activates and separates the toes, restoring control of the small foot muscles.

1. Seated with your foot flat, try to spread your toes apart.
2. Hold briefly, then relax.
3. A small foam toe-spacer between the toes can help guide the movement.

Tips:

• Numbness in the web space is expected after this surgery — move within comfort.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10, daily.

Toe Range of Motion

Gently restores motion in the toes so they stay supple and mobile.

What it helps: Gently restores motion in the toes so they stay supple and mobile.

1. Seated, gently bend and straighten the toes, using your hand to assist if needed.
2. Hold each position briefly.
3. Stay within a comfortable, pain-free range.

Tips:

• Keep the movement gentle, within a comfortable, pain-free range.
• Your care team can guide how much toe motion is right for your recovery.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, as directed.

Calf Stretch

Keeps the calf and Achilles flexible, easing tension on the arch.

What it helps: Keeps the calf and Achilles supple, easing tension through the ankle and the arch of the foot.

1. Stand facing a wall, hands on the wall, surgical leg back.
2. Keep the back knee straight and heel down, and lean forward until you feel a stretch in the calf.
3. Then bend the back knee slightly to stretch a little lower.

Tips:

• Keep the stretch gentle and steady — no bouncing.

Commonly done as 3 sets of 20–30 sec hold, daily.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Big Toe Strengthening (Abduction)

Trains the muscle that pulls the big toe straight, supporting better alignment.

What it helps: Strengthens the muscle that pulls the big toe straight — supporting better big-toe alignment and a stable, balanced forefoot.

1. Sit with the foot flat. Try to move the big toe away from the other toes (out toward the midline) without lifting or curling it.
2. It's tricky at first — even a small movement counts. Hold, then relax.
3. You can guide it gently with a finger at first.

Tips:

• A small, isolated movement — be patient learning it.
• Keep the other toes still and the foot flat.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–15, most days.

Toe Spreading Exercises

Gently activates and separates the toes after neuroma removal.

What it helps: Gently activates and separates the toes, restoring control of the small foot muscles.

1. Seated with your foot flat, try to spread your toes apart.
2. Hold briefly, then relax.
3. A small foam toe-spacer between the toes can help guide the movement.

Tips:

• Numbness in the web space is expected after this surgery — move within comfort.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10, daily.

Big Toe Stretch & Mobility

Keeps the big-toe joint moving — important for a smooth push-off when walking.

What it helps: Keeps the big-toe joint moving — the joint you push off through with every step — so walking stays smooth and comfortable.

1. Sit and cross the affected foot over the other knee. Gently bend the big toe up (toward the shin), then down.
2. Hold a gentle stretch at each end.
3. You can also press the big toe gently against the floor and lift, working the joint.

Tips:

• Gentle motion and stretch — don't force a stiff joint.
• Good big-toe extension is key for walking comfortably.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10 / hold 15–20 sec, daily.

Short Foot (Arch Doming)

Strengthens the small muscles that support and lift the arch of the foot.

What it helps: Strengthens the small muscles inside the foot that support and lift the arch — the foundation of a stable, well-supported foot for standing and walking.

1. Sit or stand with the foot flat. Without curling your toes, gently draw the ball of the foot back toward the heel so the arch lifts and shortens.
2. Hold the gentle arch lift, then relax.
3. Keep the toes long and relaxed — the work is in the arch, not the toes.

Tips:

• It's a small, subtle movement — the arch domes up a little.
• Keep the toes flat and relaxed; don't scrunch them.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of Hold 5–10 sec ×8–10, daily.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Big Toe Strengthening (Abduction)

Trains the muscle that pulls the big toe straight, supporting better alignment.

What it helps: Strengthens the muscle that pulls the big toe straight — supporting better big-toe alignment and a stable, balanced forefoot.

1. Sit with the foot flat. Try to move the big toe away from the other toes (out toward the midline) without lifting or curling it.
2. It's tricky at first — even a small movement counts. Hold, then relax.
3. You can guide it gently with a finger at first.

Tips:

• A small, isolated movement — be patient learning it.
• Keep the other toes still and the foot flat.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–15, most days.

Short Foot (Arch Doming)

Strengthens the small muscles that support and lift the arch of the foot.

What it helps: Strengthens the small muscles inside the foot that support and lift the arch — the foundation of a stable, well-supported foot for standing and walking.

1. Sit or stand with the foot flat. Without curling your toes, gently draw the ball of the foot back toward the heel so the arch lifts and shortens.
2. Hold the gentle arch lift, then relax.
3. Keep the toes long and relaxed — the work is in the arch, not the toes.

Tips:

• It's a small, subtle movement — the arch domes up a little.
• Keep the toes flat and relaxed; don't scrunch them.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of Hold 5–10 sec ×8–10, daily.

Toe Spreading Exercises

Gently activates and separates the toes after neuroma removal.

What it helps: Gently activates and separates the toes, restoring control of the small foot muscles.

1. Seated with your foot flat, try to spread your toes apart.
2. Hold briefly, then relax.
3. A small foam toe-spacer between the toes can help guide the movement.

Tips:

• Numbness in the web space is expected after this surgery — move within comfort.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10, daily.

Big Toe Stretch & Mobility

Keeps the big-toe joint moving — important for a smooth push-off when walking.

What it helps: Keeps the big-toe joint moving — the joint you push off through with every step — so walking stays smooth and comfortable.

1. Sit and cross the affected foot over the other knee. Gently bend the big toe up (toward the shin), then down.
2. Hold a gentle stretch at each end.
3. You can also press the big toe gently against the floor and lift, working the joint.

Tips:

• Gentle motion and stretch — don't force a stiff joint.
• Good big-toe extension is key for walking comfortably.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10 / hold 15–20 sec, daily.

Heel Raises

Strengthens the calf and improves balance.

What it helps: Strengthens the calf and steadies your balance, rebuilding the push-off that drives walking.

1. Stand holding a counter.
2. Rise up onto your toes.
3. Lower slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Big Toe Strengthening (Abduction)

Trains the muscle that pulls the big toe straight, supporting better alignment.

What it helps: Strengthens the muscle that pulls the big toe straight — supporting better big-toe alignment and a stable, balanced forefoot.

1. Sit with the foot flat. Try to move the big toe away from the other toes (out toward the midline) without lifting or curling it.
2. It's tricky at first — even a small movement counts. Hold, then relax.
3. You can guide it gently with a finger at first.

Tips:

• A small, isolated movement — be patient learning it.
• Keep the other toes still and the foot flat.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–15, most days.

Short Foot (Arch Doming)

Strengthens the small muscles that support and lift the arch of the foot.

What it helps: Strengthens the small muscles inside the foot that support and lift the arch — the foundation of a stable, well-supported foot for standing and walking.

1. Sit or stand with the foot flat. Without curling your toes, gently draw the ball of the foot back toward the heel so the arch lifts and shortens.
2. Hold the gentle arch lift, then relax.
3. Keep the toes long and relaxed — the work is in the arch, not the toes.

Tips:

• It's a small, subtle movement — the arch domes up a little.
• Keep the toes flat and relaxed; don't scrunch them.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of Hold 5–10 sec ×8–10, daily.

Heel Raises

Strengthens the calf and improves balance.

What it helps: Strengthens the calf and steadies your balance, rebuilding the push-off that drives walking.

1. Stand holding a counter.
2. Rise up onto your toes.
3. Lower slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Single-Leg Balance

Improves balance and stability.

What it helps: Trains your hip and leg to stay steady when all your weight is on one side — which is most of walking. Better balance means a surer, more confident step.

1. Stand near a counter for safety.
2. Lift one foot and balance on the other leg.
3. Hold as able.

Commonly done daily.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

Enjoyable activities that protect your joint.

What it helps: Getting back to the activities you enjoy in ways that are kind to your joints — the whole point of building this strength.

Commonly done as you like.

Big Toe Strengthening (Abduction)

Trains the muscle that pulls the big toe straight, supporting better alignment.

What it helps: Strengthens the muscle that pulls the big toe straight — supporting better big-toe alignment and a stable, balanced forefoot.

1. Sit with the foot flat. Try to move the big toe away from the other toes (out toward the midline) without lifting or curling it.
2. It's tricky at first — even a small movement counts. Hold, then relax.
3. You can guide it gently with a finger at first.

Tips:

• A small, isolated movement — be patient learning it.
• Keep the other toes still and the foot flat.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–15, most days.

Short Foot (Arch Doming)

Strengthens the small muscles that support and lift the arch of the foot.

What it helps: Strengthens the small muscles inside the foot that support and lift the arch — the foundation of a stable, well-supported foot for standing and walking.

1. Sit or stand with the foot flat. Without curling your toes, gently draw the ball of the foot back toward the heel so the arch lifts and shortens.
2. Hold the gentle arch lift, then relax.
3. Keep the toes long and relaxed — the work is in the arch, not the toes.

Tips:

• It's a small, subtle movement — the arch domes up a little.
• Keep the toes flat and relaxed; don't scrunch them.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of Hold 5–10 sec ×8–10, daily.

Toe Spreading Exercises

Gently activates and separates the toes after neuroma removal.

What it helps: Gently activates and separates the toes, restoring control of the small foot muscles.

1. Seated with your foot flat, try to spread your toes apart.
2. Hold briefly, then relax.
3. A small foam toe-spacer between the toes can help guide the movement.

Tips:

• Numbness in the web space is expected after this surgery — move within comfort.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10, daily.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

Enjoyable activities that protect your joint.

What it helps: Getting back to the activities you enjoy in ways that are kind to your joints — the whole point of building this strength.

Commonly done as you like.