If you’re dealing with a prominent bunion deformity, also known as hallux abductor valgus, incorporating targeted stretches into your routine can be a game-changer.
In this article, we’ll explore four bunion stretches designed to promote the realignment of the big toe and provide relief from bunion-related discomfort.
#1 Realign the Big Toe with the Ball of the Foot
Begin by reapproximating the great toe into its natural alignment, ensuring that the end of the toe is slightly wider than the ball of the foot. This exercise focuses on restoring the proper positioning of the big toe, a fundamental step in bunion reversal.
#2 Augment the Stretch with Deep Heat Cream
To enhance the effectiveness of your stretches, consider applying a deep heat cream. This step is particularly beneficial after engaging in your exercise program, as the cream can amplify the impact of the stretches on the affected area.
#3 Pull Out the Great Toe and Apply Deep Pressure
After applying a small amount of deep heat cream, simultaneously pull out the great toe to initiate the process of bunion reversal. Deep pressure can be applied between the first and second metatarsal bones, targeting trigger points or lumps gently.
Remember, the goal is to create gentle tension and pressure without causing discomfort.
#4 Pull the Toe Down and Outward to its Natural Alignment
As flexibility in the great toe improves, advance to pulling the toe down into plantar flexion while also pulling it outward into a natural alignment. This technique places lateral structures under tension, allowing for a deeper stretch into the muscle belly.
Practice this step regularly to aid in the overall flexibility and alignment of the great toe.
Incorporating these four techniques into your routine can contribute to the effectiveness of bunion stretches. Remember, consistency is key, and always perform these exercises with gentle tension and pressure, avoiding any unnecessary discomfort.
Reclaim your comfort and work towards restoring the natural alignment of your great toe with these targeted (and podiatrist-recommended) bunion stretches.
Transcript
If the individual is coming in with a prominent bunion deformity also known as hallux abductor valgus
One of the exercises that we will do is to reapproximate the great toe into its natural alignment with the end of the toe wider than the ball of the foot
Oftentimes we’ll augment the work with some form of a deep heat cream this work is best accomplished after people have been active in their exercise program
So we’ll apply a little bit of the deep heat cream and while simultaneously pulling out on the great toe to reverse the bunion
Deep pressure can be applied between the first and second metatarsal bones and oftentimes there will be a little bit of a trigger point or a lump so if that bump or lump is encountered just gentle pressure through that area with the toe held in
In straight alignment none of this needs to hurt it just should be a gentle tension and gentle pressure
Once the individual gains greater flexibility in their great toe the next step is to simultaneously pull the toe down into plantar flexion while also pulling outward into a natural alignment
This puts the lateral structures of the great toe under tension and enables the practitioner to get a little bit deeper into that into that muscle belly so this can be done frequently this is a nice aid to a really the great toe
