Posted , 3 users are following.
I’m three weeks post surgery for an ORIF ankle fracture repair.
Just had the stitches and staples out and fitted with an air cast boot.
In just three weeks I’ve lost half my muscle size on my thigh and calf and as I have another 7 or 8 weeks of NWB I’m worried my leg will waste away!
Anyone give though similar recovery and any tips on mini zing the atrophy?
2 likes, 2 replies
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paul_87869 peter40504
Posted
kpower peter40504
Posted
Hi Peter,
I noticed also the overall atrophy of body lean mass while I was 6 weeks non-weight-bearing. It is a common consequence of enforced immobility.
The sooner you start moving your body the faster will be your muscle mass recovery (and overall ankle recovery too).
There are plenty of exercises you can do while you are still sofa or bed bound-- you can do all sorts of leg lifts, "bicycle" pumps, sit ups, and so on and so forth. Do as much as you have energy for (remember your body's healing energies are in overdrive and directed to heal your beat up ankle. So it's pretty normal to tire easily.
Don't neglect your diet-- especially now of all times it needs to be very nutritious (no junk). Whey protein, collagen supplements, vitamin C, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid are good just for starters, and don't leave out good fat sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, etc.