Exercise + Charcot Foot? I know what you are thinking. This lady is crazy if she thinks I can exercise right now. I’m non-weight bearing, in a boot and can hardly make it to the bathroom. How dare she tell me to get moving. I know you are thinking it because the first time someone told me to exercise while non weight bearing I wanted to punch them. But the truth is they were right. I needed to move my body if I was ever going to feel better.Â
Exercise will look different for you since your Charcot Foot diagnosis. You likely won’t be running a marathon and in some cases you won’t even take a lap around the block. Though it won’t be the same type of exercise you may have done before diagnosis, exercise is still possible and needed.Â
Exercising while non-weight bearing
During periods when you are non-weight bearing you can exercise from a seated position as long as your physician approves. You can raise your heart rate with cardio exercise without ever standing up. You can also use resistance bands and hand weights to complete strength training exercises. If you have never completed a seated workout and need some ideas for exercises to try we have included links below to some of our favorite workouts we have found on YouTube. Some of the workouts include leg exercises. If the exercise isn’t painful and doesn’t place any weight on the foot we complete it. If it is painful we skip that particular move and go on to the next. Always consult with your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
Weight-bearing exercise
After you have been released by your doctor to bear weight again your exercise options do increase. However, you may encounter some barriers to exercise, even simple walking. If you now have a rocker bottom or are wearing braces, your balance can be impacted. It may be difficult for you to even walk short periods or stand from a chair without feeling like you are going to fall over. It’s important to find a type of exercise you can do safely.
Some individuals with Charcot Foot are able to ride a bicycle and even walk when they are not in the acute stage. If you are able and your doctor agrees, take a walk or a nice bike ride. If you aren’t able to walk or ride a bike, swimming could be a great option for you. Swimming is a wonderful workout and it is also gentle on your body. If you can’t swim, you can complete exercises in the water and even walk. Sign up for a water aerobics class or just go swim laps at your local pool. Here is a post about some of our favorite pool workouts for Charcot Foot.
Exercise equipment for home workouts
Exercise equipment for home workouts doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Here are some of our favorite pieces of equipment which can be ordered online and delivered to your door.
We love the Letsfit resistance loop bands. These bands come in a pack of five and are so easy to use. You can keep them beside your chair and grab them easily throughout the day to do a few exercises.
We are also big fans of the FitSimplify Resistance Loop Bands. This is a great set for when you are weight bearing. It comes with five bands, a carrying bag, door anchor and leg straps. Also included is a workout guide. You will be amazed at how good of a workout you can get using this set!
Hand weights are a must have for us. Our favorite set is Balance from GoFit All-Purpose Dumbbells. It is a 32-pound set with a stand to hold all the weights neatly. It can be tucked in a corner easily. We like the coating on these weights as it provides a good grip without any sliding.
Exercise is so important when you have Charcot Foot. It helps keep your blood sugar levels stable, improves your balance and gives you an emotional boost. As you try different exercises don’t get discouraged if something doesn’t work for you. Remember, you can always try a new form of exercise. You will eventually find an option which works for you.