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Exercises to maintain foot/leg strength while wearing a leg brace?

What are some typical exercises one could do to maintain calf/ankle/other muscle strength while wearing a removable brace/walking boot?
27 yr old, Female
27 yr old, Female
asked Oct 02, 2009 at 04:19PM in Sports Medicine
2 Answers
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  • 2
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    answered Oct 05, 2009 at 02:57AM
    I wear a removable brace as you do. Sit on your bed with a rolled towel under your knee and then raise your leg for 10 seconds - release for 10 seconds - and then build up the regime. It is hard work but seems to help. Also, swimming is of great benefit.
  • 1
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    answered Oct 07, 2009 at 04:07AM
    Presuming first that your are in a walking boot for an ankle or foot problem and you are permitted to remove the boot for bathing and sleeping than just about any non-weight bearing (NWB) exercise would be fine.

    First, remove the boot for exercises. In addition to the short knee extension exercise suggested by Kay, you could do a longer knee extension from a full sitting position. Knee flexion could be done lying on your stomach and in standing NWB on the bad foot by bending your knee. Exercises from the hip, like lifting your straight leg towards the ceiling as you turn from front to side to back to other side is also good to keep leg muscles strong. Do 10 - 30 reps each then turn to the next position. Do exercises 1 - 3 times per day. Stop if anything does not feel right. And of course ask your physician about what you are permitted to be partial or full weight bearing and when it will be time to see a physical therapist.

    Good luck on your recovery.
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