Exercising With A BunionJust because you have a bump on your toe doesn’t mean you have to be a bump on a log. Sure bunions can be painful, but you can still live a fun and active life with some simple foot exercises that will decrease your discomfort while increasing flexibility.  So don’t just sit there—try these foot-friendly bunion exercises and you’ll be back on your feet doing the things you love!

Start out by pointing your toes forward for five seconds, then curling them down for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. Now, let’s flex! Push your toes against the wall and hold for 10 seconds, then flex them in the opposite direction for another 10 seconds and repeat. Next, gently pull your big toe outward until it is in proper alignment. Count to 10, then do it again. Here’s one you can’t resist—place a belt under your big toe and pull the ends of the belt toward you while resisting the belt and pushing your toe against it.

Sometimes, bunions cause cramping along with pain. Don’t let that cramp your style for long! Massage your foot by rolling it over the top of a golf or tennis ball. Another simple exercise? Lay a towel on the ground, grab it with your toes, and pull it toward you. Picking up marbles with your toes does the trick too.

Lastly—and this is a tough one—take a walk on the beach with bare feet. It’s a tough job, but someone with a bunion has got to do it! Walking in sand strengthens your toes and offers the added bonus of a gentle massage. Just be careful where you’re stepping.

Not only will these exercises relieve pain, but they will actually slow the progression of your bunion too. Best of all, they’re easy to fit into your everyday routine. To find out more ways to manage your pain, call Dr. Craig H. Thomajan DPM, FACFAS at (512) 328-8900 or visit the Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists in Austin, TX, today.

Photo credit: hyena reality via freedigitalphotos.net

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