How does one cope with the challenges of transitioning from a cast to crutches? Discover essential tips and insights to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Overcoming the Transition: Adapting to Crutches After Cast Removal

Recovering from a broken bone can be a challenging process, but the transition from a cast to crutches is a crucial step in the healing journey. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary information and strategies to navigate this transition effectively, ensuring a smooth recovery and a return to your daily activities.

Understanding the Cast Removal Process

When a cast is removed, it is normal for the affected area to experience some discomfort, changes in the skin, and a reduction in muscle strength. This is a natural part of the healing process, and it is important to be patient and follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Adapting to Crutches: Tips and Techniques

Using crutches can be challenging, but with the right techniques and practice, you can regain your mobility and independence. In this section, we’ll cover the proper way to use crutches, including how to adjust their height, maintain proper posture, and safely navigate various terrains and obstacles.

Building Strength and Flexibility

After a cast is removed, it is important to gradually rebuild the strength and flexibility of the affected area. This can be accomplished through gentle exercises and physical therapy, if recommended by your healthcare provider. We’ll explore effective exercises and rehabilitation techniques to help you regain your pre-injury function.

Navigating Daily Life with Crutches

Adjusting to life with crutches can be a significant challenge, but with the right strategies, you can continue to participate in your daily activities. We’ll provide practical tips for navigating common tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and moving around your home and community.

Preventing Complications and Ensuring a Successful Recovery

During the transition from a cast to crutches, it is important to be mindful of potential complications and take steps to prevent them. We’ll discuss common complications, such as skin irritation, joint stiffness, and falls, and provide guidance on how to minimize these risks.

Embracing the Journey: Finding Positivity and Resilience

Recovering from a broken bone can be a physically and emotionally challenging experience, but it is important to maintain a positive mindset and embrace the journey. In this section, we’ll explore strategies for cultivating resilience, finding support, and celebrating small victories along the way.

The transition from a cast to crutches can be daunting, but with the right information and support, you can overcome the challenges and reclaim your independence. By following the guidance provided in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a smooth recovery and a successful return to your daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect after my cast is removed?

After the cast is removed, it is normal to experience some discomfort, changes in the skin, and a reduction in muscle strength. The affected area may be tender for a few weeks, and you may notice that the limb is smaller than the other side. Dry, flaky skin is also common, but this can be remedied with warm baths and gentle moisturizing.

How do I properly use crutches?

Proper technique is essential when using crutches. Ensure the crutches are adjusted to the correct height, with your elbows bent at a 30-degree angle. Maintain good posture, and use your core muscles to support your weight as you move. Gradually increase the amount of weight you bear on the crutches, and practice navigating different surfaces and obstacles.

What exercises can I do to rebuild strength and flexibility?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a series of gentle exercises to help rebuild strength and flexibility in the affected area. These may include range of motion exercises, isometric exercises, and low-impact activities like walking or cycling (once approved by your provider). Be sure to follow their specific recommendations and start slowly, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your exercises.

How can I adapt my daily activities to accommodate crutches?

Adapting to life with crutches requires some creativity and planning. Consider using assistive devices like shower chairs, grabber tools, and elevated toilet seats to make daily tasks easier. Arrange your living space to minimize the need for excessive movement, and ask for help from friends and family when necessary. With practice and patience, you can learn to navigate your daily routine with crutches.

How can I prevent complications and ensure a successful recovery?

To prevent complications and ensure a successful recovery, be diligent about following your healthcare provider’s instructions, maintain good hygiene, and be cautious when moving around. Wear proper footwear, use handrails when available, and avoid activities that could lead to falls or further injury. If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as increased pain or swelling, be sure to contact your healthcare provider right away.

What strategies can I use to stay positive and resilient during the recovery process?

Recovering from a broken bone can be physically and emotionally challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset and cultivating resilience can make a significant difference. Set achievable goals, celebrate small victories, and surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family. Consider joining a support group or seeking the guidance of a mental health professional if you’re struggling with the emotional aspects of recovery.

her crutches cast｜TikTok Search

TikTok

Upload

castersworldwide

Casters Worldwide

My friend Aini struggled a bit in her first #LongLegCast using #Crutches #gips #platre #yeso #neonhair #cast #brokenleg #legcast #gothic #thicc

359 Likes, TikTok video from Casters Worldwide (@castersworldwide): “My friend Aini struggled a bit in her first #LongLegCast using #Crutches #gips #platre #yeso #neonhair #cast #brokenleg #legcast #gothic #thicc”. My first time in crutches | How do you think I did? I’m Good (Blue) – Cupido.

23.4K views|

I’m Good (Blue) – Cupido

hannahrootappers

Hannahrootappers

Replying to @rachelcrane146 CAST TOUR – sorry for my toes being out 👣😂

#cast #achilliestendonrupture #crutches

329 Likes, TikTok video from Hannahrootappers (@hannahrootappers): “Replying to @rachelcrane146 CAST TOUR – sorry for my toes being out 👣😂 #cast #achilliestendonrupture #crutches”. original sound – Hannahrootappers.

19.9K views|

original sound – Hannahrootappers

nataliealexis4

nattt ☆

she literally can’t do anything with her cast😂

1K Likes, TikTok video from nattt ☆ (@nataliealexis4): “she literally can’t do anything with her cast😂”. ugh Trayla can’t do anything with her crutches 🙄 | the mall wheelchair🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 SZAS VERSE KISS ME MORE – SZA FAN PAGE!.

30.3K views|

SZAS VERSE KISS ME MORE – SZA FAN PAGE!

giorgia0681

Giorgia

Rispondi a @thatguyinsa #4u #ultimigiorni #ingessata #foryou #perte #dancer #sport #latindancer

89 Likes, TikTok video from Giorgia (@giorgia0681): “Rispondi a @thatguyinsa #4u #ultimigiorni #ingessata #foryou #perte #dancer#sport #latindancer”. Hislerim – Serhat Durmus.

8231 views|

Hislerim – Serhat Durmus

mcnip72

@mcnip72

#crutches #cast #hurtfoot #castoff #hurt #daddydaughter #sympathypains #hurttogether

132 Likes, TikTok video from @mcnip72 (@mcnip72): “#crutches #cast #hurtfoot #castoff #hurt #daddydaughter #sympathypains #hurttogether”. Cast off day!
Plus I hurt same
foot this week. Ouch! – Seth 78 & Foreign Figures.

5317 views|

Ouch! – Seth 78 & Foreign Figures

hannahrootappers

Hannahrootappers

In my boot 😊 so happy to be out of the cast. I’ll give an update soon on how everything is going

#boot #crutches #cast #feet #achilliestendonrupture #surgery

1. 6K Likes, 22 Comments. TikTok video from Hannahrootappers (@hannahrootappers): “In my boot 😊 so happy to be out of the cast. I’ll give an update soon on how everything is going #boot #crutches #cast #feet #achilliestendonrupture #surgery”. original sound – Hannahrootappers.

79.6K views|

original sound – Hannahrootappers

Care after Cast Removal | Patient Education

Patient Education A-Z

Broken (fractured) bones heal quite quickly in children, so they are usually only put into a cast for 4-8 weeks. By this time, the bone has had time to lay down a thick layer of new bone called “callus” around the fracture to hold it in place. You may be able to see and/or feel this hard “knot” or “bump” of the callus. Over the next several months, the bone continues to heal, removing the rough edges, remaking the hard outer covering and the marrow inside, and removing the extra layers of callus. During this “remodeling”, the body can straighten the fractured bone by laying new bone on the inside edge, and taking away bone on the outside of the angled area. In young children, bones can remodel fairly large angles, healing to appear completely normal within one to two years.

After the cast is removed, it is normal for there to be some discomfort in the bones and joints that were immobilized, for the arm or leg to be smaller than the other side, and for the skin to have some changes (dry skin and more hair).

A few baths in warm water will soak off the dry, flaky skin. This may take a few days, but be patient and avoid scrubbing the skin. You may apply some lotion to soften the skin, if desired. The hair will return to normal over several months.

The casted area may be tender for a few weeks. The child should avoid jumping, climbing, running or activities with a high risk of falling for a period of time after the cast is removed. This also includes sports. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on the amount of time that these activities should be avoided. It is common for children to limp for a few weeks after a leg cast is removed (up to a year for a thigh/femur fracture). The child may limp with or without pain. If the limping becomes worse, not better, over the first 2 weeks, or if the pain persists, you should return to be rechecked.

Most children do NOT need physical therapy to walk or move normally again. Routine activities and play is usually enough for children to return to normal within a few weeks to months. Following a joint fracture, it may be helpful to do gentle exercises twice a day. You can have the child move the healing extremity through all of its motions, using the other arm or leg to judge what normal is. Children who do not regain normal motion after a month or two should be rechecked.

Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Children’s Orthopeadic Clinic or request a referral from your pediatrician.

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child’s provider.

Recommended reading


How to Use Crutches

If your child needs crutches after surgery or an injury, learning how to use them can be confusing. Watch our videos in English and Spanish to learn how.

Cast Care

When your child is wearing a cast for a broken bone, they need extra care. Get tips for bathing, skin care, cast care, pain relief, play and more.

Caring for a Child in a Spica Cast

Your child needs special care while wearing a hip cast. Read tips for bathing, skin care, diet, clothing, school, car trips and other activities.

Obesity and Bone Health

Childhood obesity can affect a child’s bone development. Learn what can happen and get tips for physical activity and other ways to keep bones healthy.

Related clinics (1)

8

San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / San Mateo / San Ramon / Fremont / …

Tender wagging care

Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.




Visit Child Life services

Titan LY-631M axillary support crutches, height adjustable, series “KRONE-GROSS” , designed to facilitate the movement of disabled people and patients with injuries and diseases of the lower extremities, using orthoses and prostheses, for the elderly in order to unload the joints, in social service institutions and at home.

When fitting axillary crutches, there are two parameters to consider: the height of the crutch from the floor to the axillary bar and the position of the handle. If the patient is currently unable to stand independently, the approximate height of the crutches can be calculated by subtracting 40 cm from his height. However, it is better to try on and adjust the crutches to size, i.e. in accordance with the physical parameters of a person, when he stands and is shod in familiar shoes. Start by positioning the crutch against your chest with the rubber tip about 15-20 cm from your foot. At the same time, 2-3 fingers should pass freely between the axillary bar and the armpit (this is about 4-5 cm). To determine the correct position of the handle, freely lower your hand, bend it about 30 degrees and make a fist.

Features:

• Designed for people with a height of 155 to 175 centimeters
• Made from

aluminum tube

• Soft underarm support
• soft grip handle
• Light non-slip non-staining floor
• Double adjustment
• Nine height positions in 2.5 cm increments
• Distance from underarm to handle (cm): M from 37 to 52
• Load capacity (kg) 120
• Supplied in pairs

Specifications:

Code:	LY-631S	LY-631M	LY-631L
Color	Silver	Silver	Silver
Height (cm)	95-110	115-135	135-155
Weight (kg)	1. 560	1.580	1.860
Load capacity (kg)	120	120	120
Package size	101x33x29	120x33x29	140x33x29
Pack quantity	2	2	2

Brand: Titan Deutschland Gmbh

Manufacturer country: Germany

Warranty: 12 months Delivery: in Moscow, in Russia, in the CIS countries

Due to ongoing design improvements, product specifications may differ slightly from those indicated. For all specified characteristics, such as dimensions, weight, etc., these are approximate values ​​intended for information only.

Package dimensions (l/w/h)	120/10/10
Gross weight	1 kg 052
Delivery in Moscow (rub)	300. 00
Manufacturer TM	Titan Deutschland GmbH
Country of origin TM	Germany
Weight	1 kg

OPTIMUS wheelchair for children with cerebral palsy and disabled children

Wheelchair OPTIMUS is designed for transportation of disabled children and children with cerebral palsy, herniated spinal cord, dysfunctions of the lower extremities, as well as muscle diseases.

Thanks to the wide range of adjustments, the stroller can be easily adapted to the requirements of each user. The stroller is very comfortable and maneuverable, which allows you to make the most of it at home and on the street.

Features:

• has a foldable, lightweight aluminum frame;
• has a high quality synthetic upholstery,
• the backrest has an infinitely adjustable angle of inclination,
• has quick release rear wheels,
• Equipped with leg extension wedge, barrier rail, 3-point harness and lap belt with two levels of adjustment to prevent the child from falling out, pads for lateral stabilization,
• Equipped with length adjustable aluminum footrests with straps to fix the feet, headrest has two levels adjustments.
• has a window in the canopy that allows you to see the child.
• has cast wheels.

Standard equipment: protective hood, basket for things, cup holder, rain cover, footmuff, adjustable footrests.

Color range: pink, red, orange, blue, brown check, green, black check.

12 months warranty.

Standard equipment: protective hood, basket for things, cup holder, rain cover, footmuff, adjustable footrests, product passport.

Optional: footrests with adjustable angle, pneumatic or cast wheels.

Seat width: 40 cm;

Seat depth: 35-40 cm;

Back height: 68-73 cm;

Max stroller width: 60 cm;

Max stroller length: 115 cm;

Max stroller height: 118 cm;

Folded dimensions (LxWxH): 106x47x43 cm;

Front wheel diameter: 18 cm;

Rear wheel diameter: 25 cm;

Stroller weight: 18.