any alternative to calf raises?

I am doing well after a fibula fracture, near the ankle. I'm 3 months on now and have got very much improved mobility at the ankle, good balance returning, and am walking at near normal speed without a limp except that my forefoot/toes give me pain.

I have osteoarthritis in my big toe in particular and I have found trying calf raises painful right from the beginning. It seems to flare up pain in the foot just proximal to the 2nd and 3rd toes and from my big toe right along the foot. That part of my foot is still swollen slightly. I don't know whether I injured it during my fall or whether it is osteoarthritis flaring up. Anyway I have had to abandon thoughts of calf raises.

What else could be good for strengthening my calf? I use a pneumatic stepper at home - that seems to work quads, butt and calves and does not stress my foot. I also find that step-downs are OK. I stand on the lower stair step, facing downwards, and step down forwards and then back up backwards with my good foot. I worked up to that by using smaller steps but can now do the 8" step. I know that works the calf and does not irritate my foot.

Any more ideas?
Thanks.

Hi There !!
Read through your prob. hope you continue the calf exs. what you can do best is lye down against a wall .. place your heel on the wall , let your hip and knee be bent 90dergrees each (90-90 dergree position )now tug your toes in i.e., flex your ankle and try to push the wall with only your heel... it would be a great strengthening ...without putting much pressure on your toes ..
To releave your pain you can use contrast bath ( cold water and hot water alternate immertion of your painfull toes )
Hope that helps ,
all the best

Thanks Radhika.

Just tried it and it gives me no problem with my toes/foot. And it does feel as though it is working the calf. So I shall add this to my workout. I am so pleased!

you are welcome :) keep going with a smile :) it might be a lil difficult initially .. but gradually as u get used to it .. it would be a great strengthening :)
All the best