USING A WALKING CAST: Patient Instructions
Walking casts only work to heal ulcers and Charcot joints when they are:
- Not damaged.
- Comfortable.
- Fit properly.
Problems with any of these conditions can cause additional injury to your foot.
How do I prevent my walking cast from getting damaged?
- Limit walking and standing on your cast for the first 24 hours.
- Always wear a thin sock on the other leg. This prevents the skin from getting rubbed by the cast during the night. Always use crutches or a walker when walking. This prevents the cast from supporting too much weight. Too much weight on the cast can cause cracks or damage.
How do I know if my walking cast fits properly?
- Your walking cast should be “snug” (allowing 2 fingers to fit), but not tight on your foot.
- The cast should not cause any pain or discomfort to your foot or leg.
Note: At night it is important to wrap the cast loosely with an Ace® bandage to protect the skin on the other leg from getting rubbed by the cast during sleep.
Who do I call if there is a problem with my walking cast?
Call the clinic, your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away, if you have any of the following:
- Leg or foot discomfort.
- Loosening or tightening of the cast.
- Damage to the cast.
- Fever of 100.5 ° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) or higher.
- Swelling in your groin or behind your knee.
- Odor from the cast.
Will I only have one (1) walking cast throughout my recovery?
You will likely have more than 1 cast. The first cast is usually removed in 4-10 days. Additional casts are put on for 1-3 weeks at a time until your foot is fully healed. (Make sure you are given a follow-up appointment at each visit.)
Once healed, can I wear regular shoes and go back to regular daily activities?
After the ulcer or Charcot joint is fully healed, you will need to wear special footwear. This allows the foot or leg to regain full strength. Starting normal walking or daily activities too soon can result in new ulcers, Charcot inflammation or injury to the weakened bones in your foot. Your doctor will let you know when you can return to your usual walking and daily activities.
I have read and understand my instructions and responsibilities for using my walking cast.
______________________________________
Patient Signature
___ ___/___ ___/___ ___
Date: M M D D Y Y
______________________________________
Print Name
© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.
USING A WALKING CAST: Patient Instructions
Walking casts only work to heal ulcers and Charcot joints when they are:
- Not damaged.
- Comfortable.
- Fit properly.
Problems with any of these conditions can cause additional injury to your foot.
How do I prevent my walking cast from getting damaged?
- Limit walking and standing on your cast for the first 24 hours.
- Always wear a thin sock on the other leg. This prevents the skin from getting rubbed by the cast during the night. Always use crutches or a walker when walking. This prevents the cast from supporting too much weight. Too much weight on the cast can cause cracks or damage.
How do I know if my walking cast fits properly?
- Your walking cast should be “snug” (allowing 2 fingers to fit), but not tight on your foot.
- The cast should not cause any pain or discomfort to your foot or leg.
Note: At night it is important to wrap the cast loosely with an Ace® bandage to protect the skin on the other leg from getting rubbed by the cast during sleep.
Who do I call if there is a problem with my walking cast?
Call the clinic, your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away, if you have any of the following:
- Leg or foot discomfort.
- Loosening or tightening of the cast.
- Damage to the cast.
- Fever of 100.5 ° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) or higher.
- Swelling in your groin or behind your knee.
- Odor from the cast.
Will I only have one (1) walking cast throughout my recovery?
You will likely have more than 1 cast. The first cast is usually removed in 4-10 days. Additional casts are put on for 1-3 weeks at a time until your foot is fully healed. (Make sure you are given a follow-up appointment at each visit.)
Once healed, can I wear regular shoes and go back to regular daily activities?
After the ulcer or Charcot joint is fully healed, you will need to wear special footwear. This allows the foot or leg to regain full strength. Starting normal walking or daily activities too soon can result in new ulcers, Charcot inflammation or injury to the weakened bones in your foot. Your doctor will let you know when you can return to your usual walking and daily activities.
I have read and understand my instructions and responsibilities for using my walking cast.
______________________________________
Patient Signature
___ ___/___ ___/___ ___
Date: M M D D Y Y
______________________________________
Print Name
© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.