How to Exercise After Foot Surgery?

Answer 1

While it's something no one wants to go through, oftentimes it's inevitable: Knee replacement surgery. But does this mean exercise is off limits once you go through this surgery? "One of the biggest concerns that someone should have after total or partial knee replacement surgery is the longevity and health of the replacement," says Dr. Freddie Fu, a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. In turn, he notes that high impact exercises, such as running, can lower how long knee replacements last--an average of 15 to 20 years, if you're being careful. But avoiding exercise completely to lengthen the lifespan of your knee replacement isn't a good idea, says Fu. Obesity can also shorten the life span of knee replacement due to the excess pressure it puts on the knees, and the best way to control obesity is by staying active. Instead, he recommends keeping your exercises low-impact. "The best activities are low impact," says Fu. So which exercises are best after knee replacement surgery? Swimming. Don't be mistaken: While it does feel good to go for a dip in the pool during the summer heat, swimming can be a very cardio-intensive workout. On the other hand, however, swimming puts no pressure on the joints thanks to the water, making it perfect for those with knee replacements. Walking. Walking is perfect for anyone, but those with knee replacements will benefit from walking because it's easy to do, somewhat easy on the joints, and can be done anywhere. Make sure to stick to flat terrain, however; Fu warns that uphill or downhill terrain can put extra strain on the knees. Biking. The bonus here is that it doesn't put any undue pressure on your knees, ensuring your knee replacement isn't impacted by the workout. Biking is also a great way to stay active and doubles as a way to get around the city. Overall, staying active--but keeping the exercises low-impact--may be the best way to ensure your knees stay healthy for years to come, says Fu. Don't forget to pair it with a healthy eating program, however; gaining too much weight can also impact the longevity of knee replacements.

Answer 2

Whether it's because of an acute injury or a worsening medical condition, getting foot surgery is no joke--one that can leave you sidelined for weeks, if not months. Part of having a successful recovery is learning to become mobile and more active after surgery, however, something most people are afraid to do. Learning how to exercise correctly after surgery could actually speed up the healing process. "After foot surgery, you should begin home flexibility and strengthening exercises for the foot only with your doctor's permission; he will typically prescribe these exercises three to six weeks after surgery," says Paula Quinene, a contributor to LIVESTRONG.com. "This helps to increase the flexibility of your foot." So what exercises do experts recommend after surgery? 1. Work on your flexibility immediately. While this depends on what your doctor recommends, most experts say people should start working on their flexibility immediately after surgery to cut down on their down time. Exercises such as Golf ball rolls, heel cord stretches, or towel stretches help increase flexibility and make the foot less stiff, making it easier to become mobile. Ideally, these exercises should be done multiple times a week, but make sure you're not experiencing any pain--pain should never be felt while doing these exercises. 2. Work on strengthening the muscles that help the foot move. This mainly includes your calf muscles--muscles which help you become more mobile and increase the overall strength of your lower leg. To enhance its strength, doing calf raises are the easiest way to train them. Here's how: Stand next to a chair or wall with your palms touching the surface for balance. Make sure both feet are flat against the floor. Next, lift the balls of your feet up to increase tension on your calves. Raise them as high as you can and hold this position for a total of 5 seconds. You should feel a slight burn in your calf muscles. After 5 seconds, release and return to the starting position. Continue for 10 to 20 repetitions. 3. Don't forget "regular" exercise. Incorporating aerobic exercise into your workout routine is also essential for making sure all of your muscles return to optimal strength after surgery. Generally, health experts recommend exercises that take the weight off your legs but still keep your heart pumping, such as swimming, water aerobics, yoga, or Pilates. Make sure your wound is completely healed before engaging in any water-based activity, however, as exposing open wounds to water can stop the wound from healing correctly.