A unilateral transtibial amputation is the amputation of one leg below the knee. Trauma due to accidents, as well as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, are the leading causes of lower-extremity amputation. Amputation does not mean the end of physical activity. There are plenty of home exercises that can help with strength, balance, endurance, coordination, stretching and agility in unilateral transtibial amputees. Always consult your doctor prior to exercising following an amputation.
Knee Flexor Stretch
A knee flexor stretch can help keep your knees and upper legs strong and flexible. Sit on the ground with your legs spread apart and your knee straight. Maintain proper posture and bring your chest down toward your thigh. Reach forward with your arms. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions for each side.
Hip Flexor Stretch
Stretching and maintaining strength in your hips is important in the use of a prosthetic leg. Lie on the ground with your back flat again the ground. Keep your knees bent with your unaffected foot touching the floor. Slowly pull on of your legs inwards to your chest to feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions for each hip. If necessary, have a friend hold down on your opposite limb to make this exercise easier at first.
Side Leg Raises
After surgery, your hip and thigh muscles tend to become weak due to lack of use. Side leg raises improve the strength in your affected limb, which can make it easier for you to walk on a prosthetic leg. Lie on your unaffected side with your leg fully extended. Prop a pillow underneath your head for support. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly raise your affected limb off of the ground. Raise it as high as you can to feel a stretch in your hip muscle. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 20 repetitions.
Leg Raises
Leg raises can help provide extra strength in your unaffected leg as well as increase strength in your affected leg to prepare for the use of a prosthesis. Sit in a chair with your back straight and your foot planted on the ground. Keep the knee of your amputated leg bent as well. Slowly raise your amputated leg so that your knee is fully extended. Hold this position for a few seconds. Lower your knee back down and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions. Complete one set of 10 repetitions with your unaffected leg as well.
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