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What does physical therapy involve following cartiva implant?

Posted , 5 users are following.

martha010
martha010

I had a Cartiva implant rt. great toe almost 3 months ago.   my surgeon was going to order  P.T. on my last appointment but it was cancelled due to the Houston flooding.   I was wondering what kinds of exercises / stretches would be done in P.T.    I have been walking and moving my toe back and forth although I can't curl it under much at all.   has anyone out there had P.T. for their Cartiva toe?

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • nancy0814
    nancy0814 martha010

    Posted

    on the facebook group some people posted  their exercises. standing on the edge of the stairs and lifting up on your tippy toes. pushing both hands on the wall and stretching the calves with a towel under the surgery foot.
  • nancy0814
    nancy0814 martha010

    Edited

    I found these online

    Big Toe Joint Exercises: Aim – To restore big toe joint movements

    1. Seated heel raises x 20: Sit with foot flat on floor, knees bent 90⁰ keeping toes on floor, raise heel to the limit of pain and return. Bend your knee more than 90⁰ if you feel comfortable to do so, this will bend the toe more.

    2. Toe lifts x 20: Sit with foot flat on floor, raise toe as far as possible to ceiling and return

    3. Toe bends x 20: Sit with toes resting over the edge of a phone book, bend toes towards the floor

    4. Toe pulls x 20: Pull toe up with hand to pain and hold for 3 seconds, relax

    5. Toe pushes x 20: Push toe down with hand to pain and hold for 3 seconds, relax

    Rehabilitation Exercises – After 1 week Post Operatively (or sooner if you are able) (5 times / day)

    6. Standing both heel raises x 20: Stand close to a wall for balance, raise heels to the limit of toe pain and hold for 3 seconds

    7. Standing single heel raises x 20: Stand close to a wall for balance, stand on one leg, raise heel to the limit of toe pain and hold for 3 seconds

    8. Continue exercise 3, 4 and 5

    Ankle and Calf Exercises: Aim – To maintain muscle tone, strength and mobility

    Ankle and Calf: ankle plantar flexion (tip toe position) and dorsiflexion (bring foot up), strengthening of the peroneal muscles (bring foot out to the side)

    Gait training: Optimise load distribution for the whole foot focusing on weight bearing of the first MTP (big toe) joint and hallux (big toe)

    • martha010
      martha010 nancy0814

      Posted

      thanks nancy0814 for your speedy response.    looks like I have work to do.  ha.

      ?I didn't know there was a Facebook group and I asked to join just now.   I don't feel like I'm doing as well as a lot of people.    I also had a hammertoe repair done on the second toe and I believe that impeded my progress.   thanks for all the great info.

       

  • Gerry1234
    Gerry1234 martha010

    Posted

    I am also 3 months 10 days pasr surgery and doctor didn’t order pt but a carbon mesk orthotic to put in shoe to lift the toe so idon’t have to bend it so much. Big help!

     

  • kenlc
    kenlc martha010

    Posted

    Thank you so much Martha ...

    I received my Cartiva inplant nearly three weeks ago, but wasn't advised of any specific exercises other than at 17 days I saw my consultant and he said I should be flexing the toe as much as possible to ensure the joint didn't remain stiff ...

    wasn't too happy that at this point it was the first advice on what to do to help recovery, other than move the toe up and down ...

    sincere thanks for posting this information, I want to be as fit as possible and will make your shared routines my bible.

    Sincere thanks, greatly appreciated 🙏

  • pat21095
    pat21095 martha010

    Posted

    I was planning to have Cartiva implant this winter. Overall, how have the implants done? Do you consider them a success?

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