Recovery and fitness

starbright1395
starbright1395 Posts: 6 Member
edited November 10 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello I'm recovering from a ankle fracture surgery that took place 10-14-14. I had a second surgery 12-16-14 that failed. My injury took place 9-20-14. For 3 months I had been non weight bearing and my right leg had atrophied significantly. I just started walking my treadmill today for 15 min and my plan is to add 5 min each week (walking at least 3x a day). I need to rebuild my stamina. My question is whay other exercises can I incorporate that are safe so I won't injury my ankle. Recovery of injured ankle is tough and a slow process. My orthopedic doctor gave me the green light but my ankle wants to take a bit slower and build up stamina. Tips are greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • chunkytfg
    chunkytfg Posts: 339 Member
    Anything non impact i'm guessing would be your friend while recovering your atrophied muscles. Cycling and a cross trainer seem like the most obvious choices.

    Also you could try aqua jogging. it looks ridiculous but supposed to be very good.
  • starbright1395
    starbright1395 Posts: 6 Member
    Oops I meant 3x a week not 3x a day!
  • chunkytfg
    chunkytfg Posts: 339 Member
    Also to add, any pain and stop as you don't want to injure yourself again and the general rule of thumb with running when increasing mileage is no more than 10% per week. I wold assume the same would apply here
  • starbright1395
    starbright1395 Posts: 6 Member
    Thanks. I was thinking of going to a second hand store in search of an exercise bike. I heard it exercises the ankle ligaments quite well.
  • nineateseven
    nineateseven Posts: 65 Member
    edited January 2015
    You could add some sitting core work. You'll burn some calories, and building up your core always helps a lot of other things. I'm "pre-habbing" before getting back into running this spring, and core work is a major part of my workout routine. Most positions in Pilates floor work require no weight on your feet at all. Plus, Pilates helps build strength, balance, and flexibility. If you haven't done Pilates before, you'll want to start with a trained instructor (like a class) or do some research into proper techniques so you can get the most out of a workout. With the experiences I've had in beginner Pilates classes, I think you'd be fine if you tried a class and told the instructor about your ankle so they'd know how to help you adapt any positions that might give you trouble.
  • starbright1395
    starbright1395 Posts: 6 Member
    Great advice about pain and when to stop. My fracture site doesn't hurt its the medial ligaments of my right ankle that are tender at times especially with walking. The doctor says that's normal due to my injury but also from not walking on it for so long.
  • starbright1395
    starbright1395 Posts: 6 Member
    Thanks nineateseven! Pilates sounds very doable and ankle friendly :D
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