Finger and Toe Exercises in a Cast
Simple, safe movements to reduce stiffness and swelling while protecting your injury.
- Wiggle fingers/toes slowly for 10–20 reps, every 1–2 hours while awake.
- Make a gentle fist and open (hand casts) if your fingers are free.
- Spread toes and relax (leg/ankle casts) if toes are free.
- Keep movements pain-free and controlled.
- Stop if numbness, sharp pain, or color change occurs.
- Do not force motion of joints that are immobilized by the cast.
- Do not exercise through sharp pain.
- Do not remove the cast or straps to “get more movement.”
- Do not ignore swelling that increases after exercise.
- Avoid heavy gripping/lifting unless cleared.
1) Check comfort: elevate first if swollen.
2) Do 10 slow wiggles; pause; repeat for 2–3 sets.
3) If hand: make a gentle fist (no squeezing) and open fully.
4) If foot: point toes down slightly then relax; spread toes and relax.
5) Re-check: fingers/toes should stay warm and pink; stop and call if they don’t.
- New numbness/tingling or weakness during/after exercises.
- Fingers/toes become blue/pale or very cold.
- Swelling rapidly increases and does not improve with elevation.