Your leg muscles may become weak after you havehip, knee, ankle, or foot surgery.
This happens because you aren’t using those muscles as much while you recover.
That’s why it’s important to start strengthening them once your doctor says it’s time to.
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Gaining back the strength you lost after an injury or surgery is an important step in your recovery.
This article discusses the benefits of exercise after surgery.
It will also teach you how to do some basic strengthening exercises that will help you recover.
This can help prevent blood clots.
Being ableto move in bedafter surgery also helps keep pressure sores from forming.
Work with a physical therapist (PT) to find the leg exercises that are right for you.
This is an important step as you move forward after surgery.
Check with your doctor before you roll this or any other exercise program.
Gluteal Sets
To do this exercise:
Gluteal setscan be done several times per day.
This exercise isisometric, which means your muscles contract while no motion is occurring at your hip joints.
That way, the stronger side will come and give a shot to help strengthen the weaker side.
This exercise helps get your quad muscles working.
It also helps control the position of your kneecap.
Your quadriceps straighten your leg at the knee and help keep your kneecap in place.
Keep the opposite knee bent for comfort.
You canmake the SLR more challengingby increasing repetitions.
you may add a 2- to 3-pound ankle weight to the thigh.
For even more challenge, add the ankle weight to the ankle.
Hamstring Strengthening
Yourhamstring musclesbend your knee and extend your hip backward.
Keeping your hamstrings strong after injury or surgery can help you walk normally again.
Once you could do this exercise with ease, increase repetitions to 30.
You may also try adding a 2- to 3-pound ankle weight.
It can also help if you’re just having a hard time walking or moving normally.
Your PT may prescribe leg exercises as part of your home exercise program.
Over time, you may progress from simple exercises to more challenging ones.
Improving your balance can also help your mobility.
Summary
Leg exercises can help you regain mobility after surgery or an injury.
They can also help prevent complications like blood clots and pressure sores.
Work with a physical therapist to find the right exercises for your situation.
Doing your exercises consistently will help you regain mobility quickly and safely.
A Word From Verywell
Pain after surgery can make it hard to move around.
After your procedure, check in with your PT as soon as you are able.
The sooner you get started on your physical therapy and leg exercises, the faster your recovery will be.
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