Calf exercises and fused ankle

[5kgLifter]

Can any of you guys help?

I've been racking my brains trying to work out how hubby can exercise his calf muscle on the leg that has recently had ankle fusion.

The ankle fusion means he cannot move his ankle at all, not even one degree, literally it is set in place and will never move again.

Now, unless I'm wrong, the only way to get the calf muscle to work is to be able to flex the calf muscle which will involve moving the ankle, would that be a fair statement? If so, it can't be done.

We're not looking for stimulation (EMS style) we're looking to maintain some calf muscle tissue and size, if possible. I cannot think of a single exercise. The calf has already emaciated which occurred when he was in the first cast but he hasn't been permitted to do anything anyway, until now...any help, if there is any, would be very much appreciated; but somehow, I think this will be a no-go.

[Aurik]

The only thing I can think of would be isometrics, where he both flexes his calf and tibialis anterior at the same time as hard as he can with the intention of keeping his ankle immobile. Not that he CAN move it at all.

Again, that's all I've got.

[BendtheBar]

Can he stand with the ball of his foot on a plate or board and do statics? Say maybe holding dumbbells or kettlebells?

[bruteforce]

Don't know if they are suppose to, but high rep leg curls make my calves burn like crazy. Thats about the only thing i can think of that doesnt require foot movement.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Aurik

The only thing I can think of would be isometrics, where he both flexes his calf and tibialis anterior at the same time as hard as he can with the intention of keeping his ankle immobile. Not that he CAN move it at all.

Again, that's all I've got.

Thanks Aurik, anything is better than nothing, for consideration.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Can he stand with the ball of his foot on a plate or board and do statics? Say maybe holding dumbbells or kettlebells?

Thanks Steve, I never thought of that one; that might be a possibility that we can work on.

Originally Posted by bruteforce

Don't know if they are suppose to, but high rep leg curls make my calves burn like crazy. Thats about the only thing i can think of that doesnt require foot movement.

Thanks Bruteforce, leg curl is a good option if we end up going to the gym, depending on whether he's able to get the fused ankle through the narrow gaps left for the legs in the machine.




Thanks for the ideas guys. When he sees the surgeon in Jan, he's going to try to remember to ask him about the calf issue as well; but at least until then we now have some viable options.

[Off Road]

I can't think of anything. Let us know what the Dr or PT or whomever recommends.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Off Road

I can't think of anything. Let us know what the Dr or PT or whomever recommends.

Will do! Won't be seeing anyone until Jan and the physiotherapists up here, quite frankly, are a bunch of idiots, so fingers crossed he doesn't have to see one next year.