Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
November 2, 2018
Active people in Frisco may have to take it easy for several weeks if they develop a stress fracture. This can be one of the most difficult things to do, especially if the body is used to routinely exercising. One of the most common questions people ask Dr. Verville is whether they can continue exercising if they have a stress fracture. The truth is a stress fracture develops mostly because of overuse of the bone and can get worse with continued use. However, this doesn’t mean people have to sit around and do nothing all day. There are several types of low-impact exercises to do while the stress fracture heals.
Water Exercising
Swimming and other water exercises like squats, knee extensions and even deep water running are great to do with a stress fracture. Patients should always consult with Dr. Verville before doing any water exercises, though, and should immediately refrain from doing them if any sort of discomfort is felt. Most water exercises are great due to the low-impact nature of them, but it’s important to take it easy and not overdo it.
Seated Resistance Exercising
Seated resistance exercises involve sitting at a machine and doing activities like chest presses, knee extensions, rows and much more. These exercises can work both the upper and lower body and won’t have a significant impact on the stress fracture at all. In fact, there is very little force put on the lower body at all, so many people will feel like they can do these exercises without any restrictions.
Stationary Bike Exercising
Many people in Frisco are able to ride a stationary bike even when they have a stress fracture. Dr. Verville may suggest wearing a walking boot while performing this activity, simply to reduce the amount of pressure on the foot while pedaling. It’s important to start slow with this exercise and gradually increase intensity as needed, so the stress fracture doesn’t get worse. Some people are pleasantly surprised at how great of a workout they can get, while still allowing their stress fracture to recover properly.
Weight Lifting
Lifting free weights is another common option for people who have a stress fracture in their foot. Doing as many weightlifting exercises in the seated position as possible will help avoid further strain on the foot as well. Weight lifting can help strengthen other areas of the body as the recovery process for the stress fracture continues. In fact, many Frisco patients feel like they are still in great shape overall when their stress fracture has completely healed due to weight training during recovery.
RNV Podiatry understands people in Frisco like to be active. Dr. Verville will always make the best recommendations based on every individual’s overall health and the severity of the stress fracture. Staying active is important for a person’s health, and there are plenty of ways to exercise while dealing with a stress fracture.
We are always available to help, so contact us at (214) 385-8822 if you believe you have a stress fracture and would like a comprehensive evaluation from Dr. Verville.
