The quest for the Single Calf Raise Grail
I’m getting closer but I’m definitely not there yet. This seemingly endless quest makes me ponder what a single calf raise is exactly. I’m finding myself wanting to re-define it. I can raise up on my bad leg if I’m holding on to something but I can only clear a quick inch off the ground when standing without support. Is this a single calf raise? I think not, but I wish it was. Progress but is slow going. The half way mark is a mere six weeks away and I’m really hoping to have a real single calf raise by then. Yes, I want that next milestone.
Not much is new. I’ve been pretty good about keeping up with the heel raises, lunges, squats, tippy toe walks and such–not so good about doing the band work. I’ve been spinning–half standing, half seated and I’ve noticed great improvement in my foot strength over the last few weeks. I haven’t had much time lately so I’ve been neglecting the hills but I hope to get a few in next week.
While my leg is coming along, it’s still a weanie compared to the other side. I think it is getting ever so slightly better (even if my husband thinks it’s getting smaller and more defined–ugh.) I’m ignoring him, btw. Here are the progress photos–I added the side view so you can get a better view of the atrophy on the left leg. All I can say, is I’m glad we are heading into fall and long pants!
Hope you are all doing well! See you in a few 
September 27th, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Hi Kelly,
I feel like I’ve not progressed at all in the single calf raise department. Your “quick inch” is far higher than my quick quarter inch! Its still a pixie raise! However I have done 3 mins light jogging on a trampette last week at lower limb gym, which was like eating a chocolate chilli toblerone cheesecake with added honeycomb.
I’ve also been stopped from doing the tiptoe walk as the senior physio said I was not ready just yet. Oh I hate these plateaus. Keep at it, you’re doing just fine. (we both are :-))
September 27th, 2013 at 5:08 pm
Yum, where does one get that chocolate chili cheesecake? I’ve tucked away a Lindt dark chocolate with chili bar for when I find the Grail! No tip toe walk? I guess if you don’t go to PT, there’s no one to tell what not to do? I wonder if I should schedule that last appointment or not?
Great to have a buddy to plug along with! Keep up the good work, Micah. Thanks for chiming in
September 27th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Those legs look pretty darn good kellygirl. And both your ‘quick inch’ and Michah’s ‘quarter inch’ are better that my ‘eighth of an inch’ which gave me great joy today when I accomplished it! Yep, this is a long journey, but, as you reminded me Kellygirl ‘think of where we’ve come from’!
September 27th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
Congrats on your eighth of an inch Loumar,its quite an achievement. We’ll be running to the cheesecake shop before we know it….First one there buys the cakes
September 27th, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Hey! Your calf looks great. It seems to be coming closer in size to the other calf. I think a calf raise can be defined as whatever your strong uninsured leg can do. Cheers.
September 27th, 2013 at 9:51 pm
Your legs look great! Keep at it. Thanks for all of your insights.
September 28th, 2013 at 10:57 am
Those double-calf raises look good! I’d count your quick inch as a single calf raise, even if it’s not as high as you can do on your other leg — it’s still progress! Keep posting the pictures; it helps to know that this kind of activity is in our future!
September 30th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
@Loumar: That’s most excellent news. You are progressing well–1/8″ is as good as an 1″ in my book! Congrats.
@wes: Thanks. My poor weanie calf has a ways to go but I’ll keep plugging along.
@Sally and Upstate: Thanks. I am looking forward to reading about your progress too.
October 1st, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Hey kg
Just back from 5 weeks working offshore, just checking in great to see your on track calfs look fine and heel raise appears to be on track
RRR
October 1st, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Hey Micha keep plugging away ur doing fine , great result against Man U too
October 1st, 2013 at 8:35 pm
Hey, Riprap! Great to hear from you. I’ve been wondering where you have been. How are you doing?
October 4th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Hi KG, i feel for you re the slow progress. I can’t get any lift, so envy the limited lift you can get. Keep trying.
My PT has changed his tact on the green light for all things repaired. The previous indicator was the mythical SHR!
It was the single raise that was supposed to signify I could run etc.
Now, he says two other ATR sufferers from the same hospital, who have the same 3 horizontal incisions, are struggling to with the SHR.
But, as my strength has returned and the achilles is defined again, I can run, jump and control impact agin. So I’ve upped my gym workouts and returned fully to work.
I don’t feel completely confident in my rehab but will continue being positive. I was however, expecting a lot more at this stage.
Keep us posted and keep bouncing!
October 5th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Hi KG
I’m doing good a bit behind rehab due to extensive travel, I’m off to the states on vacation in 3 days so the only rehab will be walking then I return in 2 weeks for 1 week then off to china for 2 weeks, so it’s hard to rehab as per physio, anyhow here’s where I am, I walk a lot when I get the time, I do it real fast up steep hills about 4 miles and have no problem, I’m not meant to run just yet but I do a bit maybe just quarter of a mile to get the muscles kicking in, day to day I have no real issues, though my achilles is tight I can just get past the knee to wall test but physi isn’t concerned, I can single heel lift if I place my hands on something for balance but not quite a full heel raise, my rehab when I do get the time, is tip toeing, heel lifts, standing and seated calf raise, bike, leg press, single leg balance bosu ball, the next 2 I like, explosive kick off on to a step, and explosive single leg jumps side to side, physio tells me just a few more single leg weighted concentric calf lifts, I’m in a great place mentally but would like to run not really for the excercise but just to know I can if needed, so all in all I’m ok, AT bit stiff and slow for the first minute in a morning, kg it’s a swine of an injury but it don’t half feel great making progress, but like everyone else hitting the plateaus can be a bit frustrating but they are always overcome. Take care rrrr
October 5th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
Keep up the great work! You’re going to be fine, no worries
October 7th, 2013 at 12:23 am
Awesome to hear about the quick inch. I feel myself getting closer and closer to 1/16th of an inch every day. I was at the gym last week and looking in the mirror at my calf. I think someone caught me and laughed a bit at me, thinking I was weird for checking out something so teenie tiny….oh well, I could see some definition!!! That’s a huge step in itself for me. I’m trying to catch up to you, but don’t think I’ll be able too - thanks for the continued inspiration.
October 13th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Hey KG…. I’ve been thinking the same thing. I’m 11 weeks post op and just moved to 2 shoes Wednesday. If I have both feet on the floor my bad foot can pull up both feet to heel raise. But if I’m standing on only my bad leg, no can do. Nothing.
I can hop up and down on just my bad foot. I tried running up and down the galley of my kitchen and my bad foot is flat. There is no push off movement with my toes. I figure I better hold off doing that again.
Your pics are terrific and calf looks great!!!!
June 25th, 2023 at 11:42 pm
What exercises have they been doing to improve their leg strength, and how do they feel about the progress compared to their other leg?
June 25th, 2023 at 11:45 pm
I’m making progress, but it’s slow. Hoping to achieve a real single calf raise in six weeks. Leg strength is improving, but it’s still weaker compared to the other side. Fall and long pants are a relief for hiding the atrophy.
July 20th, 2023 at 8:45 pm
That’s great to hear about your progress! Every small step counts, and seeing some definition in your calf is a significant achievement. Don’t worry about what others might think; it’s essential to focus on your own goals and progress. Keep pushing yourself, and remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Your dedication and determination will undoubtedly lead you to your desired results. I’m here to offer continued inspiration and support along the way. You’ve got this!