Broken Toe

[svd201]

Hi - I was just starting NROL Fat Loss I when I broke the smallest toe on my left foot. Anyone know how I should train over the next couple of weeks while it heals?

Squatting is out, deadlifts too...too much balance is necessary. And lunges are impossible - I can't flex my foot. What temporary substitutes would people recommend?

[bryanc]

You broke your 5th toe on your left foot and you can't flex your foot? Where's the break?

The fifth toe is not required for balance--it's just your big toe that's the important one--but loading the fifth toe probably causes pain?

[UConnJulie]

I broke that toe several times last summer ... I couldn't run, but only because I couldn't really wear a sneaker ... but I could certainly lift, barefoot or in really big sneakers (or flip flops!). Single leg stuff might be out, and you might need to drop your weights back a bit, but it otherwise shouldn't limit your lifting (if the fracture is actually in the toe and not the metatarsal).

[svd201]

bryan - I was unclear. Loading AND flexing my left foot causes pain. Like the back foot during a lunge. Definitely not a metatarsal fracture but not sure where the break is exactly because I'm not getting an Xray until tomorrow. (There's nothing you can really do for an injury like this)

Julie - maybe you're right about bilateral leg work - maybe I can do it if I drop back in weight. Mostly what I'm afraid of is aggravating the injury by shifting my weight onto it by accident during a lift. I guess if I keep my feet planted firmly I can do squats and deadlifts. Who knows...maybe it'll keep me puching through my heels on lifts!