Playing sports with a foot in a cast is possible if you have your doctor’s approval and your foot can tolerate some movement. Here are five activities you can safely do with a broken foot in a cast.
1. Swimming
Swimming with a cast is now achievable thanks to waterproof insulation on most fiberglass casts and the availability of waterproof cast protectors for traditional casts, allowing foot submersion without damage. Take precautions such as avoiding natural waters, choosing easier strokes like breaststroke, using a swimming board, and never using hair dryers on the cast. This exercise works the calves, thighs, abs, and chest muscles.
2. The butterfly
The butterfly (Pec Deck) machine at the gym is ideal when one foot is in a cast because it allows seated exercise. This workout targets the pecs, biceps, and sternum by lifting weights through chest muscle tension and elbow movement. It’s a great way to improve upper-body muscle control during recovery.
3. The kayak
Kayaking stresses the lower limbs minimally, similar to the butterfly exercise. However, it requires good physical condition and caution if your foot is in a cast. Rowing is an alternative targeting similar muscles, including back, elbows, triceps, biceps, abs, and pecs, to maintain fitness without overloading the injured foot.
4. The exercise bike
A foot immobilized for long can lead to leg muscle atrophy. Using a stationary bike helps stimulate leg muscles to prevent this degradation. However, cycling should be started only after treatment completion or when wearing a brace to avoid stress on the healing foot. This exercise engages calves, thighs, quads, hamstrings, glutes, abs, and lower back.
5. Abdominal muscles
Maintaining abdominal girdle strength is crucial and many complex abdominal exercises can be done at home safely. Examples include side bends while lying down, crunches with rotation, pelvis lifts, and pelvis twists. Strengthening your core supports overall recovery and body stability.
PiedRéseau: reducing the cast’s impact on your sports activity
Each foot injury is unique, making personalized knowledge essential before engaging in physical activities with a cast. If you wonder about exercising safely with a foot in a cast, contact your local PiedRéseau clinic for professional advice and reassurance.