Rebuilding/retaining muscle after non-weighbearing

katiew78

So-I have been in a lower leg cast for 8days following treatment for sesamoiditis. I am completely non-weightbearing on my right (dominant) side. I will be in it for another week, when I will be changed into a walking boot (Aircast) when I will be able to do a small amount of weight bearing, but will still be using crutches, and having to take it easy, and will not have ankle mobility.
In the 8 days I have been in the cast I have already lost 2cm from just below my knee (can't measure calf) on the non-weightbearing side and maintained measurements on the left. I have been doing things like chair leg lifts and leg extensions on my back but am limited in what I can do at home, also donkey kicks etc
Once I am allowed to use leg properly again what would be best to try and regain the muscle-do I do a lot of one legged stuff (I am getting pretty damn good and one-legged deadlifts and squats on my left side!) or work on both legs?

Before this I did weights at the gym (squats 45kg ish/70kg deads) kettle bells & TRX at home. The gym is a short walk away but cannot manage it at the moment (getting around on crutches when NWB is hard work, although I am sure my upper body strength is improving!)

And any suggestions of things I can do at the moment? I can't do press ups or planks or anything on my toes

Thanks

SonyaCele

whatever you do, start out slow and allow many months to rebuild the muscles. If you jump into something too much too fast, you can injure yourself. this is rehab, its very slow and deliberate. Your Dr or PT should give you a list of things to do, and time lines for when to progress.