EMS or Calf Augmentation

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

I have CMT the onset approximately 12 years ago. I'm now 28. I'm

having foot-drop, thin calves/arms and difficulty in climbing incline.

I was wondering if there is a safe way to increase the volume of my

calves. I used to do exercise regularly, but it was not helpful much

in making them bigger. I've been hoping for the day that I can wear

knee pants without attracting other people's eyes.

I'm considering EMS and Calf Augmentation surgery. I've heard

somewhere bodybuilders use EMS to bulk up their muscles. Calf

Augmentation also looks very promising to me, but I'm afraid that it

might make my condition worse.

Has anyone had this surgery or used EMS for this purpose?

Any advise or comment will be greatly apprieciated.

Thanks for listening.

Yangwook

(Santa Cruz, California)

[Guest guest]

Yangwook:

That is very hard to do, to increase the size of your calves. I remember when I

had very nice curved muscles in my legs from just my genetics and playing soccer

for a few years before I was diagnosed. I think the best would be just

strengthening those muscles by cycling backwords or a pushing weight exercise

for your legs . Calf augmentation, I think that would just be a cover up of

your calve muscles. You would still have your disorder and it might be harder

to exercise because you have extra weight on your legs. Is EMS, electric muscle

stimulation? I think I've heard from Gretchen (from this group) that that

doesn't work well. I would check it out though and make sure.

Don't worry what others think, that's their problem. There are other ways to

look fashionably fit. I wear boot leg pants or pants with a slight flair to

make my legs look wider and more " normal " and I'm able to wear my AFOs

underneath them too.

Marin from Bridgeport, CT

[Guest guest]

Yangwook,

If your leg muscles have atrophied already, there is nothing you can

do. But, if you have muscle still, here's a couple of ideas:

1) walking backwards on land (grass), walking backwards in sand (at

the beach)

2) walking backwards in water (pool) against a 3 mph current

3) walk backwards up a flight of stairs

4) swimming (with focus on a strong kick) and other specific aquatic

exercise

5) biking (on land, into the wind for resistance), in a gym where the

resistance on the bike can be set for you, biking exercise in a pool

Before you start, it would be a good idea to get an evaluation from a

Physical Therapist who could give you a specific program to work on.

As for EMS: No. Search through our Archives for more on this.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I started aqua jogging last February, and even with limited ankle motion have

managed to put on some calf mass.

I get into a deep water pool (don't touch bottom) and just run.

O

[Guest guest]

I was heavy into body building in my 30's, CMT got me in the feet and

legs. I tried everything to build my calves to help " balance " my

appearance. Leg muscles are the toughest to build since they are

accoustomed to carrying the body's entire weight all of the time.

Basically, the way muscle is built is to (on a very small level)tear it

apart and allow it to heal back and then do it again, over and over.

Every time the muscle heals the tear it gets bigger. This is why body

builders allow recovery days and work different muscle groups on

consecutive days. It takes approximately 4 times the bodys weight

to " breakdown " the calves. I was always afraid to go that heavy since I

have had triple orthodesis (ankle fusion)on both feet and have little

motion in the ankles. The doctor who did my last big tendon surgery in

1995, and was also the one who diagnosed my CMT, told me working my

calves might help slow the atrophy but I would not be able to add mass.

My biggest concern is the atrophy is leading to reduced blood flow to

the lower legs. This has led to coldness in the feet and calves and

slow healing when I get an injury such as a scrape or cut. Not a good

senerio. Exercise frequently, you might not see the gains, but you

should help slow the atrophy.

[Guest guest]

You are right on about the muscle gain/loss scenario. Having had two triple

arthrodesis procedures myself, I know the dangers involved with heavy weights.

And the circulation in both of my feet is now similar to that of a diabetic. It

comes with the disease. The only thing I continue to do, is push myself as far

as I can go.

Mark

[Guest guest]

Hi Yangwook,

I haven't had this procedure, but I did have knee surgery and was unable to

recover muscle loss during the recovery period, so just be careful with doing

anything that causes you to need bedrest.  Once muscle is lost, it's very

difficult to get back and sometimes impossible.  I also lost sensation on the

outer part of my leg due to the nerves being cut.  Not sure where they cut for

calf augmentation, but there may be some risk to the nerves as well.

I haven't worn shorts either, for over 20 years.  Lots of us share your cosmetic

concern.  Some wear long, flowing skirts.  I wear lose full-length khakis in the

summer, but I have to buy them in spring since most stores don't carry them in

summer.