Towel Scrunches
Foot/Toes
Phase 2
Sets
Reps
3
3
Week: 2-4
Towel Scrunches
Purpose: Strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles that support the arch and toe control.
Equipment: Small towel on the floor; optional light weight on towel end later.
How to do it:
1) Sit with your foot flat on the towel.
2) Keep the heel down and use your toes to scrunch the towel toward you.
3) Spread the towel back out and repeat.
Tips:
- Avoid curling only the big toe—try to use all toes.
- If cramping occurs, take a short break and resume gently.
Dosage: 3 sets of 10 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.
Progression:
- Place a small object/weight on the far end of the towel for added resistance.
- Progress to short-foot exercise if recommended.
Comfort and safety:
Move slowly and stay in a comfortable range. A mild stretch or light muscle fatigue is okay; sharp pain is not.
Stop and contact your care team if you notice increasing swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or new/worsening numbness/tingling.
Follow any post-op precautions, lifting limits, and motion restrictions given by your surgeon or therapist.