Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Broken Finger In Hand. Using Stair Stepper To Build Leg Muscles. Planning To Add Weights To Body. Advise?
Question: I broke a finger in my left hand. I have a bicycle ride over MT Rushmore the end of August.
In order to build leg muscles, does it make to use a stair stepper, at a slow-really hard pace? I was also planning to add weights to my body (ankle straps etc) to 'help'.
In order to build leg muscles, does it make to use a stair stepper, at a slow-really hard pace? I was also planning to add weights to my body (ankle straps etc) to 'help'.
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
Any cardiovascular or muscle-building exercises using the lower body will be fine to continue. Also, as long as you do not use your injured hand, you could try upper body and abdominal work.
Your hand may ache a bit with the exertion of running. I would suggest anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen if you need pain relief.
Hope this helps and good luck with your bike ride. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
Any cardiovascular or muscle-building exercises using the lower body will be fine to continue. Also, as long as you do not use your injured hand, you could try upper body and abdominal work.
Your hand may ache a bit with the exertion of running. I would suggest anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen if you need pain relief.
Hope this helps and good luck with your bike ride. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am concerned about building MORE leg muscle since I cannot train on large hills with a splint on my hand.
I don't run, so can only go to a gym/workout facility.
I understand and agree about the upper body, but still need to BUILD, and not lose, the leg muscles
Thanks
I don't run, so can only go to a gym/workout facility.
I understand and agree about the upper body, but still need to BUILD, and not lose, the leg muscles
Thanks
Hi,
I may have slightly misunderstood your first question. It would be important to make sure your time spent in the gym on your legs works all muscle groups. So a variety of workouts would be appropriate. In addition to the stair-stepper I would suggest trying the leg-press at increasing resistance/weight and the leg adductor/abductor machines also at increasing resistance. The static bike would help as this avoids acute stress on the hands. Also, spinning would go some way to replicate training on hills and this could be an option when your hand is over the worst.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA
I may have slightly misunderstood your first question. It would be important to make sure your time spent in the gym on your legs works all muscle groups. So a variety of workouts would be appropriate. In addition to the stair-stepper I would suggest trying the leg-press at increasing resistance/weight and the leg adductor/abductor machines also at increasing resistance. The static bike would help as this avoids acute stress on the hands. Also, spinning would go some way to replicate training on hills and this could be an option when your hand is over the worst.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
