After surgery to the hip, knee, ankle or foot, the muscles of the leg often become weak from decreased use. For this reason, it is important to begin strengthening these muscles once your physician gives you the green light to do so. Gaining back strength that you have lost is an important step in obtaining a full recovery.
Initial exercises should target all the major muscles of the leg. Here’s a few to get you started:
Initial exercises should target all the major muscles of the leg. Here’s a few to get you started:
Heel Slide:
While lying on your back, bend your knee as you slowly slide the heel of your operated leg up toward your buttock. Slide as far as you can and hold for five seconds. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat again.
Quad Press:
While lying on your back, try pressing the back of your knee flat against the floor. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat.
Straight Leg Raise:
While lying on your back, lift your leg straight up about 12 inches off the floor. Hold for 10 seconds and slowly lower. Repeat.
Hamstring Strengthening:
While lying on your stomach, raise your leg backward about 12 inches. Hold for 10 seconds and slowly lower. Repeat.
