Had my cast off...what now?

[Schoska]

I've been in plaster for 7 weeks (non weight bearing) following a break of my fib, my ankle and a bone in my foot.
Finally got my cast off today and my leg is twig like.
I can put weight on it (within reason) but I still have to use my crutches to get round... I've been told no sports at all for at least 6 weeks.

What can i do to start rebuilding muscle, getting strength back etc?
It is still sore, stiff and, surprisingly swollen and I've been told it's about 80% healed.

[psala]

I had a less severe injury than you did and I went from a cast to a huge boot, but once everything was finally off I did circles in each direction with my ankle to get that range back.

Just walking on it (lightly at first) was enough for the muscle to come back.

[Libellula]

when my boyfriend broke his leg at 16 (compound fracture, hit by a car, he has a rod in his leg now..) one of the exercises his physical therapist gave him to do was to crunch up a handtowel longways with his toes (both feet).

let me just point out that he's going to be 23 in about 2 weeks and still has AMAZING strength there... like, seriously

[Beachbnny]

I'd suggest some physical therapy. I loved PT and was not optomistic going into it. Mostly it's light strectching and mild resistance that builds up to more rigorous activity- which you could probably figure out yourself. Listen to your body, don't do what hurts, but keep active and build your flexibility and strength back.

HTH!

[Schoska]

Thanks guys. I'm doing some hobbling, some stretching etc. I'll look into PT but I think it's probably beyond my budget at the mo.

[crazycutie]

i show so much sympathy for you!
When I got my cast off, I looked at my doctor and told him it wasn't my leg!
It looked worse than an anorexic's!! Only pure bone! Ewwww!
there is hope! Basically just walking adds muscle. I never actually exercised it or anything and it's fine now. I'm not super strong and muscular or anything, but it isn't tiny like it was.
Best of luck!