Strengthening My Right Leg After Knee Injury

[Juve]

In September, I injured my left knee. I believe my knee is torn. I am awaiting a call for an MRI. During physio, I realized that while my knee is hurt, my left leg is substantially stronger than my right, including balance. I had issues doing steps ups, lunges, etc.. using my right leg. How do I go about strengthening my right leg? I want it to be equal to my left leg?

 

[Hippasus]

If it's torn I would go to a doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist ASAP so it can heal better. If it strained or sprained it can take a long time to heal, years even, in my case. I used to think it was good, but stepping on 6" parking block would randomly kink it. Now it's good for me. Moderate rest, mild stretching, and even light exercise is good, but only if it is not torn. Otherwise I think you should see a professional.

 

[Juve]

If it's torn I would go to a doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist ASAP so it can heal better. If it strained or sprained it can take a long time to heal, years even, in my case. I used to think it was good, but stepping on 6" parking block would randomly kink it. Now it's good for me. Moderate rest, mild stretching, and even light exercise is good, but only if it is not torn. Otherwise I think you should see a professional.

I don't want to be rude, but did you read the entire post?

 

[Hippasus]

I don't want to be rude, but did you read the entire post?

Oh, you went to physio and presumably the hospital already. My bad.

Yeah, it's nice to have symmetrical strength and everything, but if it is torn, any advice should be pending that MRI and professional consultation. What did the physiotherapists, hospital workers, etc. say about your situation and wanting to have even lower body strength?

If it is torn, I don't want to give advice. If it's not torn, then I already sort of gave advice. It can take a long time, but your leg strength should be able to even out if you keep at it and listen to your body.

 

[Juve]

Oh, you went to physio and presumably the hospital already. My bad.

Yeah, it's nice to have symmetrical strength and everything, but if it is torn, any advice should be pending that MRI and professional consultation. What did the physiotherapists, hospital workers, etc. say about your situation and wanting to have even lower body strength?

If it is torn, I don't want to give advice. If it's not torn, then I already sort of gave advice. It can take a long time, but your leg strength should be able to even out if you keep at it and listen to your body.

My knee that's injured is the left one.The one that is significantly weaker is surprisingly my right leg. My right leg is fine Even though my left knee is injured, it still outperformed my right side by a country mile.

 

[Hippasus]

One-legged squats, one-legged deadlifts, one-legged back extensions (like a deadlift with one's leg more or less straight). These exercises involve a dumbbell. One may need a chair or something for balance. If you're going to try these, be careful not to risk additional injury. It can be hard on hips and lower back. I would say go light, but I don't know you.

 

[Juve]

One-legged squats, one-legged deadlifts, one-legged back extensions (like a deadlift with one's leg more or less straight). These exercises involve a dumbbell. One may need a chair or something for balance. If you're going to try these, be careful not to risk additional injury. It can be hard on hips and lower back. I would say go light, but I don't know you.

Thanks. I started doing some split squats at home today. I used the table to help with balance. I will try the one-legged deadlift and back extensions when I go to the gym tomorrow. I don't have dumbells at home.

I never expected my right leg to be very weak compared to my left, especially considering I can squat, leg press, RDL quite heavy.