Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of Weight-Bearing RestrictionsWhat if I Put Weight on My Foot?Managing Difficult Tasks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Weight-Bearing Restrictions
What if I Put Weight on My Foot?
Managing Difficult Tasks
Afterlower extremitysurgery, your orthopedic healthcare provider may limit the amount of weight you can place on your operated leg. This restriction is necessary to provide adequate time for proper bone or tissue healing to occur. It also allows for any hardware that was placed during the surgical procedure to remain in the proper position.
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This article describes the different weight-bearing restrictions yourorthopedic surgeonmay prescribe, how physical therapists can help with proper weight-bearing, and what to do if you accidentally step on your non-weight-bearing foot.
Understanding the different weight-bearing restriction types, as well as how to perform them, can be confusing.
It is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or physical therapist (PT) to understand your specific weight-bearing restrictions and how to maintain them properly. Studies have shown that compliance with these restrictions is low, and can have serious consequences.
It is important to closely adhere to your weight-bearing restrictions after surgery or injury because otherwise you can disrupt healing and delay your recovery. These restrictions are meant to protect your body as it is healing.
So what are weight-bearing restrictions, and how do you navigate from non-weight-bearing to full weight-bearing after injury or surgery?
Non-Weight-Bearing
Non-weight-bearing means that no weight can be placed on the operated leg. This is the most restrictive of all weight-bearing limitations. Since you are not able to bear any weight on the leg, anassistive device, such as a walker orcrutches, will be necessary for you to walk.
When walking with your walker or crutches, keep your affected knee bent and keep your toes off the floor. No weight means no weight; even the slightest bit of pressure on your leg can cause problems.
How to Walk With Crutches
Tips for Using Crutches
Toe-Touch Weight-Bearing
Toe-touch weight-bearing means that only the toes on your operated leg should contact the ground. This is for balance only, however, and no significant amount of weight should be placed on your toes.
As a result, an assistive device such as a walker or crutches will still be necessary for you to walk. Your toes are only used for slight balance and steadiness.
Partial Weight-Bearing
Your physical therapist can help you with progressive partial weight-bearing. Sometimes your healthcare provider may give a percentage of body weight to put on the extremity, such as 25%, 50%, or 75%.
Your PT can help you get a feel for how much weight should be placed on your leg. Make a mental note of this, and limit the pressure placed on your operated leg during walking to this restriction. As full weight-bearing is still not allowed, crutches, acane, or walker can help you walk without losing your balance.
Full Weight-Bearing
Full weight-bearing allows you to place all of your weight on the operated extremity. There are no restrictions in regards to the amount of weight placed on the leg, so assistive devices are usually not necessary.
If you have been walking with a cane or crutches, you may not want to simply throw those things away, as you may need them to progress from partial to full weight-bearing. Sometimes progressing from partial to full weight-bearing can make your muscles a little sore, so expect this. Your PT can help you safely progress from partial to full weight-bearing.
If you fail to appropriately maintain your weight-bearing status, you could risk causing further injury or jeopardizing the success of your surgery.Of course, if you accidentally step on your non-weight-bearing foot when you are supposed to be non-weight-bearing, you most likely have done no damage.
Simply assess your situation, and return to your previous weight-bearing status. Signs that you need to see your healthcare provider if you accidentally break your weight-bearing status may include:
If you have broken weight-bearing precautions after an injury or surgery—or have accidentally tripped and placed sudden, extreme weight on the leg—it’s best to err on the side of caution and call your healthcare provider. Be honest and explain exactly what happened.
If possible have someone who can be on hand to shop and clean for you, or help you with other tasks you can’t accomplish on your own for a while.
Before surgery try to stock up on common household items, such as paper products, garbage bags, and pantry foods. If possible pre-make some frozen meals or sign up for a meal delivery service to minimize trips to the store and standing for long periods in the kitchen.
Ask your surgeon when it’s safe to shower. Once you get the OK, consider using a shower chair to help keep your balance and sit comfortably. If possible, ask someone to help you get in and out of the shower to prevent falling.
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the safest way to go up and down stairs with a non-weight-bearing leg is to sit. Take a seat on the lowest step and reach your hands behind you to the next step. Use your hands and stronger leg to push yourself up to the next step, and repeat the process.Use the same sitting process to go down the stairs.
Summary
Weight-bearing restrictions help lower extremities heal properly after an injury or surgery.
It is important to adhere to the restrictions as not doing so can jeopardize the success of your surgery and/or recovery. Call your healthcare provider if you experience increased pain, swelling, or redness in the leg.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Braun BJ, Veith NT, Rollmann M, et al.Weight-bearing recommendations after operative fracture treatment-fact or fiction? Gait results with and feasibility of a dynamic, continuous pedobarography insole.Int Orthop. 2017;41(8):1507-1512. doi:10.1007/s00264-017-3481-7Washington University Orthopedics.How to fit and use crutches.Thompson SG, Phillip RD, Roberts A.How do orthopaedic surgeons and rehabilitation professionals interpret and assess ‘toe touch’ weight bearing and ‘partial’ weight bearing status in the rehabilitation setting?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1). doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000326van Lieshout R, Pisters MF, Vanwanseele B, de Bie RA, Wouters EJ, Stukstette MJ.Biofeedback in partial weight bearing: Usability of two different devices from a patient’s and physical therapist’s perspective.PLOS ONE. 2016;11(10). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165199American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Braun BJ, Veith NT, Rollmann M, et al.Weight-bearing recommendations after operative fracture treatment-fact or fiction? Gait results with and feasibility of a dynamic, continuous pedobarography insole.Int Orthop. 2017;41(8):1507-1512. doi:10.1007/s00264-017-3481-7Washington University Orthopedics.How to fit and use crutches.Thompson SG, Phillip RD, Roberts A.How do orthopaedic surgeons and rehabilitation professionals interpret and assess ‘toe touch’ weight bearing and ‘partial’ weight bearing status in the rehabilitation setting?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1). doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000326van Lieshout R, Pisters MF, Vanwanseele B, de Bie RA, Wouters EJ, Stukstette MJ.Biofeedback in partial weight bearing: Usability of two different devices from a patient’s and physical therapist’s perspective.PLOS ONE. 2016;11(10). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165199American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Braun BJ, Veith NT, Rollmann M, et al.Weight-bearing recommendations after operative fracture treatment-fact or fiction? Gait results with and feasibility of a dynamic, continuous pedobarography insole.Int Orthop. 2017;41(8):1507-1512. doi:10.1007/s00264-017-3481-7Washington University Orthopedics.How to fit and use crutches.Thompson SG, Phillip RD, Roberts A.How do orthopaedic surgeons and rehabilitation professionals interpret and assess ‘toe touch’ weight bearing and ‘partial’ weight bearing status in the rehabilitation setting?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1). doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000326van Lieshout R, Pisters MF, Vanwanseele B, de Bie RA, Wouters EJ, Stukstette MJ.Biofeedback in partial weight bearing: Usability of two different devices from a patient’s and physical therapist’s perspective.PLOS ONE. 2016;11(10). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165199American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.
Braun BJ, Veith NT, Rollmann M, et al.Weight-bearing recommendations after operative fracture treatment-fact or fiction? Gait results with and feasibility of a dynamic, continuous pedobarography insole.Int Orthop. 2017;41(8):1507-1512. doi:10.1007/s00264-017-3481-7
Washington University Orthopedics.How to fit and use crutches.
Thompson SG, Phillip RD, Roberts A.How do orthopaedic surgeons and rehabilitation professionals interpret and assess ‘toe touch’ weight bearing and ‘partial’ weight bearing status in the rehabilitation setting?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1). doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000326
van Lieshout R, Pisters MF, Vanwanseele B, de Bie RA, Wouters EJ, Stukstette MJ.Biofeedback in partial weight bearing: Usability of two different devices from a patient’s and physical therapist’s perspective.PLOS ONE. 2016;11(10). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165199
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.
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