I just want to get back on the golf course! (screw basketball)

Hi Molin - dont worry the muscle will come back. The wastage on my ATR calf is not as bad as I expected. I broke my right leg (4 places) years ago and the whole leg turned into a pencil during recovery. Took a while, but the gym pumped it up to about normal, but it was seriously wasted for a long time.
During my ATR cast/NWB days I stood by my bed and put my ATR knee on the bed; being in a standing position I was able to put full weight thru the thigh as though standing. This I think helped maintain the thigh.
I also clenched the ATR calf but without pulling on the AT; this may have helped reduce calf wastage.
You should get back what you lose as long as you put the effort in, when the time is right. Dont worry about that is my advice.

Hi Jacksprat — thanks so much for the feedback. That is good to hear from someone who has been through the whole atrophy thing and got your muscle back. I have been using the bed a lot to rest the knee, as well as a padded chair in the kitchen. That certainly helps to get things done, and hopefully is working the thigh muscles a bit. Thanks again.

I was losing muscle pretty fast in a cast but in week 4 I asked my doctor for a boot after reading about others using it here. The muscle atrophy slowed because you can move more. On the downside it’s very uncomfortable sleeping with the boot on (twisting on knee) and less protected than the cast. At week 4 you’ll probably be ok to go into a boot, ask your doc.

Hi.
I am only 1 wk post-op, but will be in a cast for 10-12 weeks doc says, then a boot for 4 weeks.
The physiotherapist told me to put a ball under my knee (lying down) and push the ball into the floor for quad strength. Also do some leg lifts lying on my back, on my side, and on my stomach to get different muscles. Obviously this is not even comparable to weight bearing exercise, but better than nothing, I guess.

Thanks, Shelley — those are great suggestions. Rest up and I hope healing goes well. It will be so nice to be back on our feet.

My uncle happens to be an orthopod. He didn’t treat me, but I asked him this question because it was a concern of mine. He said not to worry, you could have your leg in a cast for 6 months and the muscle would come back. Hope that helps.
Jim

Thanks! That is what I’ve heard recently as well, and is comforting to know!