Don’t Forget The Big Toe!

Everyone forgets about the big toe! You have no doubt heard people talk about 'triple extension' in rehab... And the ability to extend the hip, knee and ankle at the same time. This combination of movements is important as this needs to happen to allow the lower limbs to move in a way to allow us to walk, run and jump. But aren't we forgetting something... So shouldn’t it be quadruple extension? When running we clearly need the hip, knee and ankle to extend... But what about the big toe? The last joint in contact with the floor prior to push off when we walk, run or jump, is the big toe. So surely the ability or inability of the big toe to extend is equally as important as extension of the ankle, knee and hip joints above, right? To highlight just how important the big toe is to movement, pain and function take a listen to this week's podcast episode. In the episode I talk through a case study of a pro footballer that I worked with a couple of years ago, unable to play due to athletic groin pain. The key to getting rid of his pain and getting him back on the pitch? You guessed it, his big toe! Enjoy the show! PS. Andy would love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Please leave a review or get in touch at [email protected] and he will get right back to you. PPS. To get a copy of Andy’s book ‘How To Become A Competent, Confident & Competitive New Grad Physio’ or to access ALL his FREE learning resources head to www.newgradphysio.com