Exercising With Leg Injuries?

[steddie]

I've pulled my hamstring and Im taking pain killers to try and get over it. Yesterday I could barely walk. But I still want to exercise - I was doing well up until that point. But how can I exercise with a leg injury?

 

[deschain]

It's great that you are committed to exercising. However, don't let that commitment overrule your common sense.

Pain killers only mask pain, they don't fix the condition causing it. If you can hardly walk, then don't walk (as much as realistic anyways). Technically, you could limp into the gym and do a couple of upper body exercises, but you should really just let your body heal.

 

[goergen1]

But how can I exercise with a leg injury?

Train everything except the injured body part. Even if legs are a problem (due to the hamstring) you still have an upper body.

 

[Karky]

Train everything except the injured body part. Even if legs are a problem (due to the hamstring) you still have an upper body.

I hear ya. when I busted my legs I did upper body stuff that didn't put much pressure on my lower body. Chest supported db rows (just lie down prone on a bench and row the DBs) bench press ( a bit funky since I couldn't use leg drive so I got very flat) pullups, seated military press, etc.

 

[bipennate]

It's great that you are committed to exercising. However, don't let that commitment overrule your common sense.

Pain killers only mask pain, they don't fix the condition causing it. If you can hardly walk, then don't walk (as much as realistic anyways). Technically, you could limp into the gym and do a couple of upper body exercises, but you should really just let your body heal.

Train everything except the injured body part. Even if legs are a problem (due to the hamstring) you still have an upper body.

Exactly: skipping a few days to allow your body to rest and recouperate (figure 2-3 days, roughly, assuming that this is nothing more than a hamstring strain) will help you through the initial acute stage without risking further injury. PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the way to go for the first 24-48 hours. After that, you can go to the gym for your upper body while your leg is still tender...once your leg is feeling 85-90% better, you can start with light exercises (standing hamstring curls, hip extensions in standing and lying on your back, etc) to start getting your muscle back to full strength (the light work will help improve blood flow, but you don't need to go heavy). You can also use the foam roller throughout your injury (once swelling is down, if there is any present) to cause greater bloodflow and muscle relaxation.

You should be fine in no time. If the pain doesn't get better soon, go see a doctor. Good luck!

 

[DEF]

I pulled my hamstring the day the deadlift challenge (!) and thought I was going to be out weeks. But, as noted above, I rested it fully for about 3-4 days and could lift again without issue.