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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

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Ask Dr. Gourmet

How can I exercise if I can't use my legs or they are weak?

Two related questions from readers:

1. I have Charcot in my left foot and I have been staying off of it for going on 3 months now. I am a diabetic and have been told no weight bearing on the foot. What can I do to exercise?

2. I am a 52 year old female who in 1996 suffered a massive brain aneurysm/stroke. I was 99 pounds at the time, but by the time I was released from rehab I had ballooned to a whopping 246! I have managed to get down to 175 but I am stuck there. I'm just at a total loss and any advice you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. I am no longer confined to a wheelchair, so I do walk daily, although not fast and not far. I live alone so anything you suggest would have to be able to be done solo.

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Wheelchair and Walker

Since exercise is not my area of expertise, I referred these two questions to our exercise expert, Jacques Courseault. He's written a fantastic article on How to Exercise with Disabled or Weak Legs that should help you design an exercise regimen based on what you can do.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet