5 Exercises For Improving Big Toe Strength

toe-yoga

A crucial component of our foot structure that supports our body weight and aids in balance maintenance is the big toe. But because of our contemporary way of life, we frequently fail to use our big toe, which can cause weakness and instability. Many foot issues, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and even knee and hip discomfort, can be brought on by big toe weakness. Three suggestions and five exercises to strengthen the big toe will be covered in this blog.

Tip 1: Put on appropriate footwear: The appropriate shoes can make a significant difference in big toe strength. Wide toe boxes in your shoes provide your toes room to stretch out, allowing your big toe more room to flex and strengthen. Shoes that are too tight might limit toe movement, which can cause stiffness and weakness. Furthermore, flat or no-heel shoes can support a natural gait and enhance big toe involvement.

Tip #2: Use Therapeutic Insoles: Using therapeutic insoles can also help improve big toe strength. Insoles designed specifically for foot support and alignment can help distribute weight evenly across your foot, encouraging proper foot placement and engagement of the big toe. This can also help reduce the risk of foot problems and injuries.

Tip #3: Exercises for the toes Regularly: Consistently performing toe exercises can help strengthen the big toe and shield against foot issues.

 

These five activities can help you strengthen your big toe:

Exercise #1: Toe squeezes
Lie back on a chair and plant your feet firmly on the floor. Squeeze your toes slowly together as if you were attempting to pick up something little with them. After a brief period of holding, release the squeeze. 10-15 times, repeat.

toe squeeze

Exercise #2: toe lifts
Lie back on a chair and plant your feet firmly on the floor. Keep your other toes on the ground while raising your big toe. Hold for a short while, then let go. 10-15 times, repeat.

 toe-lift

Exercise #3: towel crunches
A little towel should be placed on the ground in front of you. Scrunch up the towel with your toes, then let go. 10-15 times, repeat.
towel crunches

Exercise #4: Stretching the big toe
Lie back on a chair and plant your feet firmly on the floor. Stretching the top of your foot, gently pull your big toe back toward your ankle with your hand. Release after 10 to 15 seconds of holding. Continue with the other foot.
Stretching the big toe
The top 5 advantages of enhancing big toe function for gait are as follows:
increased efficiency and speed:
1. Enhancing big toe function can speed up walking and running while also improving push-off.
2.Lower chance of injury: Big toes that are strong and flexible will be better able to adapt to various surfaces while walking.

3.Enhancing the function of the big toe can help balance and stability, which are traits that are crucial to maintaining during gait.
4.Reduced pain and discomfort: Addressing common big toe problems can help to alleviate pain and discomfort during gait.
5.Improved overall foot health: Improving big toe function can have a positive impact on overall foot health, reducing the risk of other foot problems and improving quality of life.

In addition to this, Therapeutic Insoles is a great tool that can be used to activate your glutes. They stimulates the feet’s sensory receptors to increase muscle tone, stability, and mobility.

 

References: 

  1. Shakoor N, Lidtke RH, Sengupta M, Fogg LF, Block JA. Effects of specialized footwear on joint loads in osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;59(9):1214-20. doi: 10.1002/art.24001. PMID: 18759287.

  2. McKeon PO, Hertel J, Bramble D, Davis I. The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(5):290-6. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093130. PMID: 25595250.

  3. Wearing SC, Smeathers JE, Urry SR, Hennig EM, Hills AP. The pathomechanics of plantar fasciitis. Sports Med. 2006;36(7):585-611. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200636070-00004. PMID: 16796386.

  4. Nester CJ, Jarvis HL, Jones RK, Bowden PD, Liu A. Movement of the human foot in 100 pain free individuals aged 18-45: implications for understanding normal foot function. J Foot Ankle Res. 2014;7(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s13047-014-0051-0. PMID: 25404911; PMCID: PMC4230909.

  5. Mueller MJ, Maluf KS. Tissue adaptation to physical stress: a proposed "Physical Stress Theory" to guide physical therapist practice, education, and research. Phys Ther. 2002;82(4):383-403. doi: 10.1093/ptj/82.4.383. PMID: 11953468.


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