Can I row with a broken foot?

[dinodi]

I posted the following message in the FAQ and realized that it is more appropriate to have it here:

I turned my foot four weeks ago and assumed it was a tendon sprain. I resumed rowing after a few days and continue to row daily ( 8-15k). I don't have any significant pain while rowing. However, I still have pain during any weight bearing activity. I went to the doc today and he diagnosed an avulsion fracture of the 5th metatasal. I'm now in a walking boot. My question--Can I continue to row (w/o the boot) or should I cease and desist for 4-6 weeks. I tried rowing with the boot but quickly discovered that it places my body totally out of whack and will surely lead to injury! The doc is leaving it up to me.

The thought of not rowing for 4-6 weeks is totally depressing as I can't run or even walk for exercise at this point.

[Alissa]

I don't have anything to offer about whether you should go ahead and row w/out the boot...

I tried rowing with the boot but quickly discovered that it places my body totally out of whack and will surely lead to injury!

But I think you're missing a couple of other options:

1. Use slides and plant your injured foot on the floor and row with one leg only. Some of Xeno Muller's workouts use one-legged rowing as a technique drill.

2. Put your injured foot on a skateboard or rollerskate and, again, row 1-legged.

Both techniques have been used by others who are dealing with an injury.

Best wishes (and heal fast!)

Alissa