Readers ask: How Long Does It Take For Pain To Go Away After Taking Off Cast On Foot?

Is it normal to have pain after cast removal?

It is normal for there to be some discomfort in the muscles and joints that were immobilized. It is not unusual for an arm or leg to be smaller than the other side. Begin gentle range of motion and strengthening of your injured area after the cast removed.

Why does my ankle hurt after cast removal?

Once the cast is removed, your ankle may feel stiff and painful to move. This is normal and is not because the fracture has not healed. It is because your ankle has been immobilised and is not used to moving. As you start to move the joint again (with exercise) this pain will reduce.

What to do after a cast is removed?

Keep it clean

1. Wash and moisturise the area — dry and flaky skin is normal after a cast is removed.
2. Exercise all joints through the full range of movement — as much as can be tolerated. Swimming and splashing in a pool is a good way to gently exercise the limb.
3. Use the limb for light everyday activities.

What happens if you take off your cast early?

Don’t take your cast off. Removing your cast not only hinders healing, but it can also cause injury. Casts are durable. Your healthcare provider has a special tool that vibrates through the cast but does not cut the skin or padding underneath.

What happens to skin under a cast?

When the cast is off, you may notice: The skin that was under the cast looks pale, dry, or flaky. The hair looks darker. The muscles looks smaller.

How long does it take for a broken ankle to stop hurting?

Generally, broken ankles heal within 6 to 12 weeks. Injuries that don’t need surgery may heal in 6 weeks. During this time, your doctor may take regular X-rays to check on the bone. Injuries that need surgery can take 12 weeks or longer to heal.

Is a bone completely healed when a cast comes off?

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.

Does a broken ankle hurt more as it heals?

When you suffer a fracture, it will eventually heal and recover to the point that you no longer experience pain. Unfortunately, this does not happen for everyone. Some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have finished healing.

How long do you wear a walking boot after a cast?

Orthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks.

Can you walk after removing cast?

Wash in warm soapy water and apply body lotion daily. Crutches can be used for partial support but you can begin walking on your leg as soon as it is comfortable enough or as per the advice of your doctor. You may be limping on the injured foot for a few weeks after removal of the cast.

Is it normal to have bruising after a cast is removed?

Bruising. It is not abnormal to see bruising and discoloration after a cast has been removed.

How do you strengthen a broken ankle?

Ankle dorsiflexion

1. Sit with your affected leg straight and supported on the floor. Your other leg should be bent, with that foot flat on the floor.
2. Keeping your affected leg straight, gently flex your foot back toward your body so your toes point upward.
3. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Do you need a boot after a cast?

Plaster casts can’t get wet or the plaster will disintegrate. Fiberglass casts should be kept dry, but a small bit of moisture from sweat, rain, or stray shower droplets can be dried off with a paper towel. Wear a cast boot or a cast sandal to prevent the surface of your cast from getting too dirty.

Why is my leg swollen after cast removal?

Your injury is still healing. So it may swell even after the cast is removed. (This is especially true of leg injuries.) To help reduce swelling, raise the injury higher than your heart.