Foot-to-Knee Removable Cast

[Christine]

My new podiatrist just put me in one today. I've had it on for a few hours and I'm dying. It hurts my inner ankle bone (even though it's padded) and it weighs a ton. Both my legs are now aching from dragging this around. I don't know how I'm going to wear this for 3-4 weeks (and all day at work).

I either strained or partially tore my posterial tibial tendon on 1/2/10. I limped around for one week and went to an orthopedist. He diagnosed me and gave me a nice ankle brace. That worked well for awhile but then I didn't make anymore progress, hence, the podiatrist that ortho recommended. I thought I was just going there to get orthotics and she wants to "take a step back" and cast me to totally rest the tendon. I then have to do PT starting in 2 weeks.

But, this cast thing is AWFUL. Has anyone worn one before? Any tips for making it more comfy. It is so big and clunky that I'm going to have to wear a 2 inch heel on my other foot so I can be even.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Is it the kind with velcro strips and a removable pad inside? I wore one of those for close to 3 months when I tore 2 ligaments and badly bruised my ankle bone. My experience was just the opposite. As soon as I put it on, my ankle felt so much better, especially when I walked. If it's hurting your ankle bone, it sounds like it might not fit correctly. I went to a place that specializes in orthopedic equipment and they measured my leg and foot and fit me with the right size. They also showed me how to put it on properly (first wrap the padding around your leg and secure the velcro; then slip your foot straight down and into the cast). Also, is it possible you're pulling the velcro too tight? You want it to fit snugly but you want it to have a little give when you walk so it's not binding your leg. If it's still not comfortable, I would suggest going back to your doctor to have it checked. It really should fit nicely and make your ankle feel better when you walk, not worse. Good luck!

 

[Christine]

Is it the kind with velcro strips and a removable pad inside? I wore one of those for close to 3 months when I tore 2 ligaments and badly bruised my ankle bone. My experience was just the opposite. As soon as I put it on, my ankle felt so much better, especially when I walked. If it's hurting your ankle bone, it sounds like it might not fit correctly. I went to a place that specializes in orthopedic equipment and they measured my leg and foot and fit me with the right size. They also showed me how to put it on properly (first wrap the padding around your leg and secure the velcro; then slip your foot straight down and into the cast). Also, is it possible you're pulling the velcro too tight? You want it to fit snugly but you want it to have a little give when you walk so it's not binding your leg. If it's still not comfortable, I would suggest going back to your doctor to have it checked. It really should fit nicely and make your ankle feel better when you walk, not worse. Good luck!

Mine does not have a removable pad. I ankle down into it and it is padded inside. However, on the outside is hard plastic in some parts and I think the padding is just not enough. But I will try to make it a bit looser tomorrow.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Mine does not have a removable pad. I ankle down into it and it is padded inside. However, on the outside is hard plastic in some parts and I think the padding is just not enough. But I will try to make it a bit looser tomorrow.

Christine, is it the kind that you strap your leg/ankle into with a strap over the foot and then two or three up the leg. Mine was gray/black in color and reminded me of a shovel at the foot.

If this is the same kind, sit down to put the cast on. Push your foot ALL the way into the heel part until you cannot move it and the pull the strap tight over it and then do the leg portion. There should be no air or room between your leg/foot and the padding. It helped me to do my foot/heel portion first to get it exactly where I needed. I found having the straps loose made my ankle move around that much more.

 

[Christine]

Christine, is it the kind that you strap your leg/ankle into with a strap over the foot and then two or three up the leg. Mine was gray/black in color and reminded me of a shovel at the foot.

If this is the same kind, sit down to put the cast on. Push your foot ALL the way into the heel part until you cannot move it and the pull the strap tight over it and then do the leg portion. There should be no air or room between your leg/foot and the padding. It helped me to do my foot/heel portion first to get it exactly where I needed. I found having the straps loose made my ankle move around that much more.

This thing is gray/black and then blue for the internal parts. Yes, I have to push my heel all the way back and then there are two straps over the top part of the foot and then 3 to 4 straps up the shin to the knee. The part that hurts the worst is that "knobby" part of the ankle bone. It has padding on it but it pushes right through it and hits the hard plastic that surrounds it. Yes, I have bony feet and ankles which probably doesn't help. I also had a sock on and when I took it all off, my whole ankle was sweaty. I just can't imagine how I will tolerate this thing for 10 hours tomorrow while at my desk.

 

[RangerPooh]

DH wore a walking cast similar to that described by others for a few months, each time he had broken foot bones and tore somehting in his ankle while walking off a curb. I know that the first one that he was given was not very comfortable. While I don't recall it having removable pads I think* it allowed for it to be pumped for tension. The next cast was much nicer IMO and didn't have the pump feature. I can not offer much advice other than to make sure that you are wearingt compfy socks as this might help with cushioning. Also if you are using crutches make sure that they are at the proper level and padded. Plus make sure that you wear it for the duration that you are told to do so! DH didn't the first time and had to have his foot rebroken due to the pain and discomfort from the healing. The second time he didn't change his habits and was left with incorrect healing.

 

[busyshrew]

Believe me, the removable air-casts are much better than the hard ones! At least you can take your leg out, let it air, take baths, etc....

An excellent forum you might want to check out is mybrokenleg.com. There are lots of people in similar (and much much worse) situations and the advice over there on how to deal with everyday stuff while in a cast is very useful.

I was in a hard cast for 6 weeks and it was a form of mental torture. Seriously, it felt like I had my leg permanently stuck in a trap! I wound up frazzled and depressed, snapping at my DH and miserable that I couldn't take care of my daughter properly.... not fun times. So hang in there and take care of yourself. It will be worth it in the end.