Thanks Anne same to you.
At the moment I have managed to raise my arm up and rest my hand on the back of my tall chair
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That’s fantastic. It’s starting to come together for you.
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Put it this way Anne. When my physio stopped coming at end of April and community physio told me to do it myself which I’ve been doing without you and Lorraine I wouldn’t have got as far as I have so thanks to both of you.
My physio said that the foot splint would stop my foot turning and didn’t give me any exercises to stop it so it’s still turning sideways
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We all had a limited amount of physio. I was signed up with my physio for a while but she only saw me every couple of months, neither use nor ornament, I found I progressed more once I was left to it.
My foot still turns inwards too. When I am sat (on my recliner) I concentrate on trying to straighten my foot. I am sure one day it will release it is pointing the wrong way.
You could try these exercises too:
Dystonia exercises for feet focus on improving range of motion, strength, and control through
gentle stretches, resistance training, and mobility drills, involving movements like ankle pumps (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion), toe lifts, and foot rolling (inversion/eversion), often using tools like resistance bands or tennis balls, all done with slow, controlled motions to manage involuntary muscle contractions and improve function, ideally under guidance from a physical therapist.
Stretches & Mobility
- Ankle Pulls: Sit, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, gently pull toes down for 20-30 seconds to stretch the shin.
- Heel Wedges: Place a rolled towel under the outer foot while sitting or standing to deepen stretches for the inner ankle.
- Toe Squeezes: While seated, try to scrunch toes, then straighten them, holding the squeeze for 5-10 seconds.
- Tennis Ball Rolls: Roll a tennis ball under the foot, moving from big toe to pinky toe, to massage and mobilize.
Strengthening & Control
- Resistance Band Dorsiflexion: Loop a band around the ball of your foot and pull toes up towards you, or push foot away, working against resistance.
- Toe Lifts: Lift just the big toe, then all toes, up and down while keeping the foot flat.
- Ankle Eversion/Inversion: Move foot inward (adduction) and outward (abduction) against light hand resistance to work stabilizing muscles.
- Elevated Toe Taps: Heel on a step, let ankle drop (plantarflexion) and lift foot up (dorsiflexion) to work through full range of motion.
Key Considerations
- Slow & Controlled: Focus on slow movements to engage muscles and avoid triggering spasms.
- Consistency: Perform exercises multiple times a day as part of a routine.
- Listen to Your Body: Take breaks and modify as needed, as dystonia varies.
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Thanks for the advice Anne.
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All those exercises Ann just put up are pretty much the one I use. Many I still do as I’m sitting watching tv or reading and often get a tingling in the top of my foot after a while. Don’t know what it means, but it all helps to keep my foot relatively stable. And I still use the slopping insole to stop any risk of strain or, god forbid, breaking my ankle. Been there done that and don’t want another one for Christmas 
I’m beginning to think we’d all make better physios than the ones we got, and they get paid for. Neither use nor ornament half the time 
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine community physio don’t care about stroke patients hope she has 1 day.
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Hi Anne I’ve screenshot all hope you have a good new year.
Guess what yesterday I had an itch on my good arm and managed to move my bad arm over and scratch the itch with my hand even though fingers have no power
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That’s brilliant John, things are slowly improving for you.
Have a good new year too. Here’s hoping 2026 brings you the progress you desire.
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Thanks Anne.
I do too even though my fingers have no strength in them to hold stretch band since last botox.
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Hi Anne just thought I would let you know what’s been happening.
I’ve started walking round the place section by section just holding my stick. I can walk from bathroom to kitchen and room to kitchen so far.
On Monday I had a nervous breakdown because I was feeling like I couldn’t cope being like this and didn’t want to be around anymore.
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Hi John, i will have a look at that video when I get chance. It looks ideal.
Well done on your walking around the house. That’s amazing progress. You’re building your confidence all the time. Are you still practicing with your step too? If you can get out the house easier then you should be anle to try a little walk outside just holding the stick the same as inside.
Sorry you had a nervous breakdown hope you’re doing a bit better today. It’s tough coming back from a stroke but you really are progressing. It just takes longer than we’d all like it too.
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When it comes to the step I’m practicing on the actual doorstep moving my stick to same position on the path as I did using step.
Glad you’re ok
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That sounds good. You are definitely progressing all the time.
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My toes curl but hopefully that will stop.
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Hi Anne just took a picture of my wrist since last botox and look it’s the straightest it’s every been
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Wow that’s great. It looks like it is getting there. You must be happy with it. Hopefully another round of botox will improve it wven further.
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I am Anne. I have electrode appointment on 28th so that will help
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I keep feeling fluid flowing near the top of my arm.
Any idea Anne
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