Help with exercise plan for my daughter

[lunabee34]

My 16 year old daughter is a runner who has been having tendon issues that interfere with her running. She hasn't been able to run since the first week of December. She is sad, frustrated, sleeping poorly, and managing her anxiety poorly as a result. The issue is currently with her foot.

Does anyone have any suggestions for exercise that might not exacerbate the injury? Once the inflammation calms down, walking seems to be okay, but she really wants to be doing something that gets her heart rate up and is more of a workout. We tried the stationary bike, and after about 16 minutes, her foot started hurting. Swimming is out because there's no indoor pool in our town.

I'm just at a loss. I feel so helpless and bad for her. She tested positive on an autoimmune scan, but we can't get into the pediatric rheumatologist until March. I tried to get her GP to call them and expedite the appointment but he won't do it because he doesn't see enough evidence that it's a rheumatology problem instead of a musculoskeletal one. He is referring us to PT, so hopefully that will happen soon, but in the meantime, I don't know what to do to help her get the exercise she needs.

Help!

Comments

[abyssinia]

Oh man, that's hard.
I personally love rowing machines - but that does require pressure on the foot. Some companies that make rowers also make ski ergs (https://www.concept2.com/skierg) where you stand still and pull on cords in a movement that simulates nordic skiing and can give an intense cardio workout (Crossfit gyms often have these - you could try calling around and see if any near you have one and would let you give it a try). I'd also worry about possibly injuring another joint though....

Did she try both upright and recumbent stationary bikes?

[lunabee34]

She only tried the recumbent, but they do have the upright. I'll get her to try those.

I had also thought the rowing machine might be good; we'll try that too. Thank you!