How to do cardio with some injuries that won't allow me to run, jump, or walk far distances.?

Question

I was in a car accident about a year and half ago. I badly injured my right leg and I can't run, jump, or even walk very far because of the pain. I was very active in the gym but can't go anymore because anything that causes strains on my leg leaves me in pain. Can anyone give me advice of any cardio that I can do at home that won't hurt my leg. I just need something to help me get any kind of cardio work.

My ankle was shattered and thigh bone was broken so anything that puts a lot of strain on it makes it very difficult for me. Any advice or suggestions would be helpful.

Answer 1

Water Aerobics.

Most YMCAs have some water aerobics classes that some people with injuries get a LOT of benefit from. Yes, they are commonly known for having old ladies attend, but that's because they typically can't move around as easily and couldn't do a "regular cardio workout".

Answer 2

The easiest thing you can do is get in the water and swim. It will gently work your muscles while getting your cardio up. If you can do laps for about a half hour without stopping, that will do it for you. You can begin by letting your arms do most of the work. I've seen a fellow with no use of his legs at all, swim laps that way. Gradually work more activity using your legs lap by lap. Swim every other day if you are over 45 so your body has a nice recovery. If you are under 45 you can go for it every day if you have the time an inclination.

Another thing that will help you out is to stretch those muscles and ligaments. I was in a pretty messy skiing accident which broke my leg in 5 places. Yes, it does take a long time to heal but you say it's been a year and a half and you still have pain. Stretch in all directions, point your toes like you are a ballerina while you are sitting and then point them at your shins. Both legs, even if only one sustained the injury. One will learn from the other. Rotate your ankle in circles at different axis'. Give yourself loving rubs and think positive about healing and erasing the pain. Your mind can be a terrific influence on your body. Rub and smooth the areas. Gently at first, and then after a few times, dig in a bit. Find the areas that are the most tender. Push them like you are pushing water out of a sponge and release. That will get new blood and lymph fluid into the area to feed tissue. Long strokes on front and back and sides of your thighs, concentrated pushing in those areas where the breaks were, circles around your knees and ankles. Long strokes focused more toward your heart instead of to your feet. It wouldn't hurt to work your calf and shin areas too.

You may also benefit from a good sports injury massage therapist. I've never used accupuncture for an injury but I have for other things. They are pretty amazing with the results they can produce, but swimming may be the cheapest route. The bones are healed but your muscles and ligaments obviously need attention. And if you've never broken a bone or had a sprain before, it will bother you when the barometric pressure is rising, especially before a rain or snow. You become a proverbial weather station.

Good luck with this and enjoy a complete and speedy healing.

Answer 3

My first thought is swimming. Swimming is just made for injures like that.

My second thought is bicycling, even on a stationary bike. That might not work as well for you, I don't know just how bad your leg is.

Have you talked to a health or fitness professional about your situation? They might have some good ideas, too.

Oh, rowing might work, too. You push with both legs for that, so you can unload your injured leg a little. And there's always things like canoeing or kayaking. If you try to keep a certain pace with activities like that, they can be a good cardio workout, too, and you could even be in a wheelchair and still do those.

Answer 4

Is ur feeling in accordance with the prognosis of the dr?

If not, take some exercises which cause pain so that ur muscles in the area develop.

Eat only when hungry and not more than thrice a day. Nothing other than water in between. Include plenty of uncooked vegetables and fruits in each meal, preferably 50%. Chew each morsel at least 32 times to activate ur body to generate signals of hunger/fullness. Obey these signals.

Take light exercises and brisk walks regularly preferably twice a day.

U will achieve what u have not even dreamt and that too in a reasonable time. Do not be in a hurry.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

swimming does seem to be your answer. though i was in a similar situation because of a knee injury. When all else failed I tried accupuncture. It worked great. I am a person that would normally not do something like that, but my knee was better in just a few treatments. it allowed me to get into physical therapy.

Answer 7

You could work with your arms, like with a recumbent bike using arms instead of legs.