modified squats for injured left leg?

linznzeusfitnfight
linznzeusfitnfight Posts: 39
in Fitness and Exercise
i cut all the tendons on the top of my left foot in july and i can walk on it now, its still weak and have very little upward pull. ive walked miles on it, done the elliptical, and can do some weight machines, super light weight for that leg and no pressure on the scar, but i really want to start doing squats. my butt and leg muscles and gone from spending 3 months on a couch :P so i was wondering if theres a way? im new to squating anyways sooo ha, i dunno if its possible. id also like to start jogging again, any ideas on how to rehab my foot into jogging? thanks!

Replies

  • MisterDerpington
    MisterDerpington Posts: 604 Member
    The only way I could think would be to do single-leg squats and probably use a much lighter weight (if any) for the injured leg. I wouldn't do it for too long because of muscle imbalances, but it would probably be okay to do as you finish healing.
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    Having Severely Bad Knee's and working hand and hand with Our Local Hospital which is integrated with our Local YMCA, I have worked with my Ortho doctor and I have several Physical Therapist (over the last 4 years). They have gotten me from 560 lbs. and unable to walk to working with me through 300+ lbs. of weight loss and building the muscle in and around my knees and getting me fitted with braces to allow me to for one walk and two continue to strengthen my legs..... I would not feel comfortable offering advice not knowing your particular circumstances and recovery but would suggest (assuming you went through PT) talking to them and getting exercises that will allow you to build the strength in your foot and leg to allow you to begin Squats.... Best of Luck to you in your recovery
  • linznzeusfitnfight
    linznzeusfitnfight Posts: 39
    thanks! i just looked up squats on a blog here and the form is veeeery important. i can do the squats def without weight and only one or two as of now. my foot is mostly healed, it will never be at 100% i cut it falling thru glass :P its the long recovery thats killin me...my left leg is weak, getting stronger but i still cant dance or run and ya you know how it is. wow sounds like youve come a long way!! do your legs feel any better? i had to leave my PT early cuz i moved, im looking for a new PT up here tho! yhanks again guys, im detrimined to get this leg bettter bthen the 80% the drs predicted!
  • averytds
    averytds Posts: 64 Member
    I broke my ankle and shattered some of my leg. I started squats with body weight only and did them in a door frame. It gave me something to keep me from falling over and assisted me with getting back up if necessary while I worked on form and depth. My leg isn't at 100% and likely never will be, but I think I've surpassed the doctor's expectations. I'm a year out from my accident and squatting 175lb currently.
  • linznzeusfitnfight
    linznzeusfitnfight Posts: 39
    I broke my ankle and shattered some of my leg. I started squats with body weight only and did them in a door frame. It gave me something to keep me from falling over and assisted me with getting back up if necessary while I worked on form and depth. My leg isn't at 100% and likely never will be, but I think I've surpassed the doctor's expectations. I'm a year out from my accident and squatting 175lb currently.

    wow!!! the door frame is a great idea!! my balance is bad! im glad to hear youre doing better then they thought gives me more hope :)
  • averytds
    averytds Posts: 64 Member
    I was told to give it 2 years. That wherever it is in 2 years is as good as it will get. I see/feel improvement at a slow though steady rate. Strength training, stretching, modified yoga and walking are serving me well.
  • CorlissaEats
    CorlissaEats Posts: 493 Member
    Door frame is a good idea. I have knee problems and I would suggest talking to a physical trainer or therapist about TRX. The straps really do make a difference when going through the motions of a squat. I can do them with no pain because the straps change my centre of gravity and relieve some of the stress on my joint during the motion. When I was a member of a gym, mine had a bar in the weights area with the straps and they later got an actual machine so you don't even have to join a class to try it. Like a door frame, they help with balance and getting back upright.
  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
    It might be a good idea to see a physical therapist. They can give you plenty of ideas/exercises to help that will also strengthen it.
  • linznzeusfitnfight
    linznzeusfitnfight Posts: 39
    Door frame is a good idea. I have knee problems and I would suggest talking to a physical trainer or therapist about TRX. The straps really do make a difference when going through the motions of a squat. I can do them with no pain because the straps change my centre of gravity and relieve some of the stress on my joint during the motion. When I was a member of a gym, mine had a bar in the weights area with the straps and they later got an actual machine so you don't even have to join a class to try it. Like a door frame, they help with balance and getting back upright.

    Thanks! So far i be been able to do them with a wall or door frame for support and its been great! Sore but a good sore ha! Left leg is slowly building back up must have patience.... :P
  • linznzeusfitnfight
    linznzeusfitnfight Posts: 39
    I squatted today for 5 reps 10 each and I did. Fine! I'm super careful cuz balance is off but I'm pretty proud! Your guys ideas helped a lot!!
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
    Did you by chance injure yourself while stepping under your bed frame?

    Chair squats are an option as well. After that, you may remove the chair to progress to unassisted squats using just your body weight. If you have dumbbells, you can add them and make use of the chair again. You'd then progress to dumbbell squats without the chair. By this time, you should be able to return to barbell squats - if that's what you were doing previously.
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    I would not do anything like squats or lunges until talking with a PT or doc. Not even one legged. if you lose your balance you have no way to recover bc your other leg is compromised.
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I would not do anything like squats or lunges until talking with a PT or doc. Not even one legged. if you lose your balance you have no way to recover bc your other leg is compromised.

    This. You should be doing PT on your foot to establish full function first.
  • linznzeusfitnfight
    linznzeusfitnfight Posts: 39
    my dr said its pretty much up to me to cont to strenghten the leg. so i do what i can without causing the foot pain, its mostly getting my left leg stronger again. i actually fell through a glass table... :P ive noticed that when i do the squats just my thighs are getting the burn not my butt, i must be something wrong? thanks for all the ideas!

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