How to Exercise With a Broken Tibia & Fibula
Your tibia and fibula are the bones of your lower leg. They can become fractured due to contact sports, motor vehicle accidents, tripping or falling from heights. Treatment for a broken tibia and fibula may include surgery, a cast or crutches.
Your tibia and fibula are the bones of your lower leg. They can become fractured due to contact sports, motor vehicle accidents, tripping or falling from heights. Treatment for a broken tibia and fibula may include surgery, a cast or crutches. Exercising and staying in shape with a broken leg can present a big challenge. To exercise with a broken tibia and fibula, you will need to think outside the box.
Step 1
Make good use of your crutches, walking around your home, a mall or other public place. Crutches can help you burn calories as well as strengthen your upper body. Try to be as independent as possible. If you need something around the house — such as a glass of water — get up and grab a bottle of water. Carrying bottled water is easier on crutches.
Step 2
Perform upper body workouts. Use 1 to 5 lb. dumbbells or resistance bands to strengthen and tone your upper body. Perform exercises seated and in one set of 15 repetitions. Consider triceps curls and extensions along with biceps curls and extensions.
Step 3
Work on your core strength. Perform crunches. Lie on the ground with your affected leg fully extended and your healthy leg bent. Aim to perform two sets of 20 repetitions daily. Complete push-ups with your affected leg crossed over your healthy leg. Perform one set of 15 repetitions. Strength training can help tone your body as well as strengthen your core muscles.
Step 4
Replace your desk chair with an exercise ball. Sit on the ball while completing work or homework to help improve your balance and strengthen your lower back, pelvis and hips.
warning
Talk to your doctor prior to exercising with a broken tibia and fibula. Never perform any exercise to the point where you experience pain.