I have been corresponding with this patient for a long time after he injured his right sesamoid bone (forgot which one). The rehabilitation was long, but successful. This is one exercise I have never thought of or recommended that he felt was invaluable. Concentric strengthening of the long flexor to the big toe is to pull the toe downward (a standard exercise). This is eccentric strengthening of the same tendon where the toe is being pulled up while the patient tries to point the toe downward. Therefore, the long flexor (FHL) to the big toe is elongating while contracting which is the definition of an eccentric contraction. We use this technique all the time for hip, knee, and achilles/ankle problems, why not the big toe? You start with 2 sets of 10 reps, and gradually over time build up to 2 sets of 50 reps. Good luck and thank you to my blog patient!!!
