The following exercises can be done in bed. Some help improve blood flow. Others help build strength. Your physical therapist or surgeon may give you special instructions. Otherwise, repeat each exercise
Ankle pumps
-
Point, then flex, both feet.
-
Doing this
10 to 30 times each hour helps prevent blood clots in your legs.
Quadriceps sets
-
Lie in bed with your legs straight. Tighten the front thigh muscle of your operated leg while pressing the back of your knee down into the bed.
-
Hold for
5 seconds, then relax the leg.
Gluteal sets
-
Squeeze your buttocks together tightly. Your hips will rise slightly off the bed.
-
Hold for
5 seconds, then release.
Related Articles
Discharge Instructions: Internal Fixation of a Fractured Femur
Instructions to care for yourself after having internal fixation of a fractured femur.
Adjusting to Limb Loss
Losing a limb can be a profound shock. Everyone reacts to loss in different ways. You may be feeling angry, frustrated, scared, sad, or lonely. These are very common feelings after limb loss. You may go through distinct stages of grieving. Don’t hesitate to ask for the support that you need. You don’t have to go through this alone.
AC Joint Sprain (Adult)
With an AC joint sprain, the ligaments that hold the collarbone to the shoulder blade may be partly or fully torn. In both cases this causes pain and swelling at the end of the collarbone.
Using Crutches with Swing To (Non-Weight Bearing)
These images show the use of crutches with swing to.
