A foot fracture can be a real setback for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle — whether you love playing team sports or you were training for your next big race. The thought of being sidelined is disheartening, but the good news is that it’s possible to stay active while recovering from a fractured foot.
Lisa Burson, DPM and Joe Aoun, DPM, specialize in sports medicine and foot fractures at The Foot & Ankle Specialists, and we’re ready to help you find a recovery plan that’s right for you. Prioritizing recovery is crucial, but with our help, you don’t have to completely give up training while you heal.
First and foremost, seek professional care if you think you have a foot fracture. Ignoring or neglecting foot pain won’t make your symptoms go away. Instead, it only increases your risk of complications, chronic pain, and long-term damage.
Dr. Burson and Dr. Aoun examine your foot, ask questions about your symptoms, and do additional testing as needed to diagnose your condition. If we identify a foot fracture, we develop a treatment plan to promote healing and accelerate recovery.
Working with a podiatrist helps you avoid complications like improper healing and chronic pain. Following our advice can help your foot heal faster and more effectively, which helps prevent future injuries once you return to your favorite activities.
Once you have a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, we can discuss when it's safe to start exercising again. Your individual recommendations will vary based on the severity of your injury, but can include:
High-impact activities like running or jumping are typically off limits during recovery from a foot fracture. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises that are gentler on your feet. Stationary cycling and rowing are excellent options to maintain cardiovascular fitness without placing undue stress on your foot.
Swimming and water aerobics are both fantastic ways to stay active while minimizing impact on your fractured foot. The buoyancy of the water reduces the strain on your foot, allowing you to engage in a full-body workout.
Along with low-impact aerobic exercise, yoga and Pilates are excellent choices for maintaining flexibility, balance, and core strength during your foot fracture recovery. Talk to our team about adapting poses and exercises to safely accommodate your injury.
Another option is to focus on strengthening your upper body during your recovery period. Activities like resistance band exercises, seated dumbbell workouts, and push-ups can help maintain muscle tone and overall strength while giving your foot a rest.
For your lower body, exercises that don’t require standing or putting weight on your injured foot are ideal during recovery. Seated leg lifts, leg extensions, and hamstring curls can help maintain muscle tone in your legs without risking further damage to your foot.
No matter which exercises you try, always remember to listen to your body and monitor your progress. If you experience increased pain, discomfort, or swelling, stop the exercise immediately and contact us.
A foot fracture may temporarily interrupt your training routine, but it doesn't have to derail your fitness journey entirely. Partner with Dr. Burson, Dr. Aoun, and our team at The Foot & Ankle Specialists to stay active and maintain your fitness levels while allowing your foot to heal properly.
Schedule a consultation online or call one of our offices in Bay City, Caro, and Lapeer, Michigan, to get started today.
