How To Exercise With A Broken Knee

Your knee can become fractured as the result of a direct blow to the knee during sports, a motor vehicle accident or a hard fall on your knee. Your kneecap, or patella, is the portion of your knee that is most likely to fracture. A broken knee can cause pain, swelling, bruising, deformity and difficulty straightening your leg. You may require surgery to fix your broken knee, a cast, a brace or crutches. While recovering from a broken knee, low-impact and non-weight-bearing exercises are your best options to stay active.

Step 1

Participate in low-impact cardiovascular exercise to help burn calories and keep up your endurance. Low-impact exercise includes swimming, using a stationary bike or using an elliptical machine. To reap the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, including weight control and prevention of diabetes, stroke and heart disease, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, recommends 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, five days per week.

Step 2

Complete non-weight-bearing strengthening exercises. NASM recommends two 30 minute strength training sessions weekly. Complete exercises in one set of 15 repetitions. Complete biceps and triceps curls and extensions while seated. Perform crunches while keeping your affected leg extended and brace.

Step 3

Make good use of your crutches. Get up and walk around your house, a mall or other public place on your crutches. Crutches can be an effective form of cardiovascular exercise and can also help to strengthen your arms. Try to do as much for yourself as possible while recovering from broken knee.