[yogachick30]

Hello there! I have a stress fracture on my right fibula w. severe spraining of the tendons that surround the area. This happened due to my excess of working out and not taking a breadk. I used to do something every day such as: kickboxing, spin classes, running and boot camp classes. The sports doc that I saw told me that this just didn't happen overnight; it has been building for a while. He told me that I had to rest, and the only working out I can do is teach my yoga classes (w. modifications in specific postures), and upper body weight training.
My question to you all is other than swimming (I don't have access to a pool), what other exercises can I do that will get my heart rate up and yet have no impact on my right leg???
I am quite concerned about gaining weight since I can't do any cardio so I have really cut back on my caloric intake. I am still worried that I may not be cutting back enough. I haven't seen a "gain" per say but I feel like my weight loss efforts have come to a halt due to this injury. Any thoughts???

[Sheila53]

At the gym where I work out, there is a bicycle that you work with your arms. I had a foot problem once and used that to get my heart rate up. It was definitely challenging.

[Lydia227]

Hi YogaChick,

I am sorry to hear about your SF.

I am currently repairing from a stress fracture of the femoral neck, compression side.

Like you, I was very concerned about weight gain. I had previously lost about 55 pounds the year before and I attributed my success to my two hour workouts six days a week. During my repair I clung to the concept that weight control is about 80% diet. During this period of repair I have maintained my weight loss. I did not allow this injury to be an excuse to introduce mindless eating habits. I maintained the same clean eating plan without lowering my caloric intake previous to the injury. I also continued my upper body workouts three days a week. I think these two things helped to keep my weight in check.

While I don't have any suggestions for cardio as you asked, you do have the yoga classes which is great. Also, if you limit the number of breaks between sets in upper body lifting, you can actually get your heart rate up and break a sweat.

The best thing you can do is stay off of it as much as you can. Follow your sport docs advice to the letter. In my case, I insisted upon "active recovery." Interpret this as meaning I was in denial that I needed to slow down and take a break. I tried to cycle, swim, and elliptical all summer. Finally by this fall I was in enough pain that I had to use crutches. By week three on the crutches I noticed a significant improvement. This motivated me to continue to just sit on the couch whenever possible.

Hang in there yogachick. Your recovery may not take as long as mine. In the meantime, know that you are not alone and that your injury will heal. If you had to pick a time of year to be injured, winter is better than spring...not much help though, I know.

[yogachick30]

Thank you so much for the support! I will take your advise to heart and remember that dieting is 80% food intake. As I stated, I am really being very careful about my choices but it certainly doesn't come at a great time of year... There a lot of yummy treats here in the office and I am not even trying to think about all the food that will be at my sister's on Christmas Day. I will keep up w. the yoga of course and remember everything in moderation. Thanks again!

[Lydia227]

Your welcome! I was also thinking, that if you need a good physical therapist I could suggest someone. I'm also in Columbus and have been working with a team from the OSU Sports Medicine Clinic.

Good luck. Keep your spirits up and encourage people to bring fruit to those office feasts. I know they mean well but really, it does get out of control.

You may also find some helpful information from Cool Running web site. Within the Med Tent there are all kind of folks healing from overuse injuries. Some of the stories are encouraging. I read these posts constantly while I was repairing. Overall trend in the forum was, sit down and take a rest. If it's a stress fracture from overuse, then you've more than earned your seat on the couch for a while.