Experience After Leg Cast Removal
Age: 19, Height: 6'3", Weight: 110 kg, Ethnicity: Asian I recently underwent treatment for undisplaced fractures located at the front of both the lateral and medial tibial plateaus, along with a contusion on the lateral femoral condyle and considerable swelling in the knee joint of my left leg. After being in a full cast for six weeks, it was taken off two weeks ago. However, I’m still experiencing stiffness in my leg. For the past week, I've been attending physical therapy sessions. I can now bend my knees, but I still notice a slight discomfort around the knee bones when I walk. Additionally, I've observed that my calves and thighs appear smaller than they were prior to the injury and they also ache. Is this typical? Am I being overly anxious about my recovery and expecting to feel normal too quickly? How long should I realistically anticipate this process to take? This is my first time having a cast removed. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 6:21:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely normal to feel stiffness and discomfort after having a cast removed, especially following an injury like yours. The recovery process can take time, and what you are experiencing is common after immobilization due to a fracture.
Explanation
When a limb is kept in a cast, the muscles can weaken due to lack of use, which may explain the smaller appearance of your calves and thighs. Additionally, the stiffness is a result of decreased range of motion during your time in the cast, and it may take time for the joints and muscles to recover fully.
Signs like mild discomfort when walking can also occur as your body adjusts and begins to regain strength and mobility. Every person's recovery timeline is different; however, some stiffness and discomfort can last for several weeks to months as you regain full function.
Next Steps
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Continue Physical Therapy: Keep attending your therapy sessions as these are essential for regaining strength and flexibility. Discuss any specific concerns or discomfort with your therapist so they can adjust your exercises accordingly.
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Perform Gentle Exercises at Home: Focus on range-of-motion exercises and gradual strength training. Simple movements like ankle pumps and knee flexion can be beneficial. Do these exercises several times each day as recommended by your therapist.
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Stay Active: While avoiding high-impact activities initially, include walking or low-impact exercises to help improve circulation and support recovery. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: If you experience increased pain, swelling, or any signs of complications (like redness or warmth around the knee), these may require further attention.
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Be Patient with Your Recovery: Understand that regaining full strength and comfort may take weeks to months. Set realistic expectations, and focus on gradual improvement over time.
It's common to feel anxious about the recovery timeline, but remember that everyone heals at their own pace. Practice patience and celebrate the small victories along the way. Let me know if you have more questions or if there's anything specific you'd like advice on!
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