Torn Calf Muscle – Update
August 6th, 2009
One of the most ridiculous and surprising things about injuring my calf muscle has been the rising panic I am feeling about not exercising.
Not being able to be active and spending most of my day sitting on a couch or chair at work has done nothing to ease these feelings. It has made me realize just how much I enjoy being up, mobile and active.
I really miss my afternoon walks with my partner and our dog. I suspect my dog is also missing my company on his walk as he regularly stops to look back at me sitting on the park bench.
It has been almost two weeks since I heard that dreaded popping sound and what I thought was someone throwing a very hard ball at my leg. Today I finally get to have an ultra-sound to find out how bad the tear is and what muscle I have injured. I can then organize physio and work out a plan to get my leg back in shape.
To say that I am almost desperate to be exercising is an understatement. I really can’t imagine spending every day sitting on my couch and have had time to reflect and wonder how other people do it. Some, I realize simply can’t move much due to health issues that prohibit much activity. But I know there are many out there that simply spend most of their day and night sitting on their bum.
Office workers, drivers and others who have a job that involves mostly sitting down need to make a conscious effort to fit exercise in to their day.
For me, the rising panic isn’t that I may put on weight during this forced down time but more a niggling concern that my calf muscle may not be as strong as I thought and that perhaps in the future I may injure it again.
So for me the focus in the coming weeks will be to do everything I can to get my leg back in shape and finally get back on those afternoon walks with my family and the workouts I am missing so much!
August 6th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Hi Sal, really sorry to hear about your injury. I guess while you’re pretending to sit on the couch (I know secretly you’ll be finding new and novel ways to exercise without your torn calf!) we should knuckle down and record some more episodes of In Denial Health Show!
August 7th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Hi James, LOL – well the thought has crossed my mind regarding exercising but I have been very good ;)
I have done a few bits and pieces though and yesterday my Physio told me I can ride my exercise bike although carefully and without too much tension. Still, it’s a start!
Yes, we must get into another podcast.
Have had some great feedback and some questions so let’s organise!
Sal
August 9th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
This one I relate to well Sal. In the early 90′s I spent nearly a year in bed after a sky diving accident. It was horrible to sit there week after week without any movement. I bring this up for one reason; as time went on and I was unable to exercise, I began to eat out of depression and boredom.
After a year of excess eating, and no movement, I gained nearly 60 pounds. I know that you will not be laid up for a year, but I urge you not to give in to the eating temptations which may be hovering over you. The less you move, the less fuel you need.
Good luck and get on your feet soon!
August 11th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Hi Roy,
That is definitely a concern I have had and I think being aware of it is half the battle.
Discipline is very important during any downtime, especially when forced on you.
Thanks for the well wishes and for stopping by.
Sal
September 7th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I have been swimming . I cannot put weight on my foot due to calf injury. I feel like I am getting some exercise – and cleaning toxins out of my body. This exercise thing is no joke. I talk to orthopedic doctor tomorrow.