The cast is off :)
5 weeks post-op and finally got my cast off. Second cast to be exact. The first one came off at 2 weeks to remove the staples from the surgery. The doctor didn’t hesitate and put me in a boot with my foot at a 90 degree angle. I believe that’s what most call neutral.
Questions; Considering I had a complete tear.
1> Dr. says I should be FWB after 4 weeks. 25% week 1, 50% week2, etc. Is this normal?
2> I have been working on ROM with the boot off, has anyone been told a maximum amount of time that they can have the boot off? In other words, just sitting on the couch is it detrimental to my recovery to have the boot off and not in the 90 degree position?
Thanks so much for reading, your feedback is much appreciated.
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Congrats on getting the cast removed!! My Dr. says I should be FWB after 1 week and this seems a bit fast to me. It amazes me how the treatment varies from Dr to Dr! I just started ROM today. My Dr. did not give me a time limit to have the boot off. In fact, he said to take it off everytime I am sitting with my leg up. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the response and a little piece of mind.
My doc said I’d probably be FWB about 2 weeks after I got out of the cast and into the boot. It ended up being 1 day short of 2 weeks for me.
As for taking the boot off at home, I never wore it when I was laying around on the couch, or in bed! Never. Only when walking around. And, when I got to FWB, I started walking around the house w/o the boot (shhhh, don’t tell my doc!), but wear the boot any time I go outside.
Similar to Eric, once I got to a certain point I stopped wearing the boot inside the house. I only used it for outside. You should listen to your doctor, obviously, but also to your body.
Not using the boot anymore, because after a while it stops helping. You have to start building strength and range of motion back, even if it’s emotionally painful to feel so limited when at work or shopping or etc. It gets better. Walking v.slow right now and w/ a noticeable limp, but walking and working on the limp w/ PT.
So take it easy on yourself, mentally and emotionally. Let the boot do it’s magic. And then remember it’s still a bit to go, even when you’re boot-free. But hey, progress is progress. & the boot is your friend.
All best.