Rehab question--pedal type?

[skinimini]

thanks guys for all your suggestions! I'm now a week and a half post air cast and I'm doing great. I still have some stiffness and swelling, but that's normal. My orthopod gave me a smallish, ankle support sleeve, but it was so uncomfortable, my PT thought it OK to do without.

I bought the BMX pedals, but haven't tried them yet (out of town all week). I audibly gasped when I saw them, they are sooo huge! I have small feet, and couldn't imagine how they would work. But the fitter concurred with your suggestions, so voila! Once in PT, I biked a few minutes on a stationary recumbent (flat pedals) and another time on a spinning bike (toe clips) at my gym. No problems whatsoever, but I've only done a few minutes each time. I hope to get the trainer set up this afternoon, and start getting some real time back on the bike. Perhaps in another month, I'll be ready to do some short, flat rides outside and build from there. I think more than anything, I need to build my confidence. I'm really OK with baby steps. I wanna be ready when Meidei comes to Atlanta.

[Kathi]

When I was recovering from acl surgery my ortho, also a cyclist, wanted me to use flat pedals without grippiness. He said he wanted me to get my prioproception back before I went to clipless. Even regular flat pedals were too grippy and did not allow my foot to sit comfortably on the pedal. I use speedplay X pedals and they have a flat pedal that attaches over the pedal. They allowed my foot to align properly on the pedal. I think spd's also have a similiar type pedal. I did have the slippery problem, especially when my shoes got wet and my foot would fly off the pedal when I hit a bump.

I tried my regular tie shoes but they weren't supportive like cycling shoes and several times the laces came loose and almost got caught in the chain ring. I found a cheap pair of Specialized mtn bike shoes that I could use without cleats.

Hope this helps, I've not heard of any other ortho who was as picky as mine was.

[skinimini]

prioproception

It's amazing the words you learn while injured. I'm working on that word (above). I never thought one would have to balance with eyes closed.

[OakLeaf]

I never thought one would have to balance with eyes closed.

I make my classes do it at least every couple of weeks! (And we do eyes-open balancing just about every class, usually combined with strength moves.) It's so important as we get older.

[shootingstar]

There are some simple standing exercises for balancing on l ft. for a min. or so with eyes closed that would benefit you skinmini, when your leg is better. Some come from the yoga world.

Useful to ask physiotherapist about this since you have access to the person's expertise now.

I find it helpful and it looks deceptively simple. But requires calm focus, etc.