Toddler's Fracture - Bellingham,WA

I believe that he will gradually increase the amount of time he uses that leg. It takes time for the muscles to regain strength. It also takes time for him to get used to something new. And he may be having fun trying out this new way of walking on his knees.

It will help if you do not make a big deal of it. Treat him as if you expect him to walk on it. For example, when you set him down, set him down on both feet. But don't draw attention to the fact he's not using it.

Perhaps ask his doctor if there are some exercises (pt) that you can have fun doing with him that will help increase muscle tone and strength.

usually after a cast is removed, the muscle tone/level of movement, may be temporarily hindered... because the muscles need to "work" again... once again, after being in a cast. Because, when in a cast, the muscles/leg is immobile...
Sometimes the muscles even shrink after being in a cast.
Maybe he is just experiencing the transitional changes in his leg/muscles... since his cast was off. And to get used to it being off.

Ask your Doctor, when regular activity/movement can be expected in his leg...

all the best,
Susan

I had a full leg cast on when I was 6, so I wasn't a toddler and could understand my parents when they told me that I just need to walk on it and not baby it again. But I also remember that being easier said than done. My left leg was skinnier and paler than my right leg for almost a month after I got the cast off. It would tingle when I tried to walk on it and sometimes, if I tried to walk for an extended period of time, it would actually hurt. When a limb is immobilized for any period of time, the muscles can actually "shrink". Since your son doesn't have the right vocabulary to tell you these things, you need to remember that it is a totally different sensation walking after the cast is removed than when it was on. Make sure that you don't let him get in the habit of crawling. Make him walk on it, but take it easy at first. Have him walk around the house when you are home, but put him in the stroller or shopping cart if you are going to be out for long periods of time. Eventually the injured leg will regain the strength that he needs to be able to put pressure on it full time. It could take just a couple weeks, or it could be a few months. Remember, there is no magic time frame, it all depends on your son and you, and how much time and effort you are both willing to put into his rehabilitation. Toddlers are very active people in general, so it might frustrate him for a while to not be able to do the things that he is used to doing or sees other kids doing. Take him to the mall playplace or somewhere that there are other kids that he has to keep up with, that might help him along.

Best of luck! :)

This same thing happened with my nephew. I believe he was 3-4 yrs of age and had his cast removed from his leg. If I remember correctly, for about 6-8 weeks after he wouldn't put any pressure on his legs. He actually started off army crawling around the house and then went to scooting around. Eventually he understood that he could walk on it and it didn't take long before he had it down. I remember him being scared that if he stood on it he would break it again. Hope this helps!

Our 21 month old was in a spica cast and was never up in the cast. It took her about 2 weeks to start walking again. These toddlers are amazing. If he is not up and going after a couple of weeks, give your doc a call. Great job to the parents. I know you have been through a tough time!

I agree with S.H. My daughter just got her cast off of her arm and it was the same thing. She just had to get used to using it again. Her arm was skinny and weak, but it's getting better.

My daughter broke her femur this winter and it took her a good 2 weeks before she could limp/hobble using the leg and another 4-6 weeks+ of limping. Her cast was removed early Feb. but it was close to the end of April before she was walking with a halfway normal gait. Hope this helps!

I was just talking about this last night! My 2.5 year old is also in the cast for another three weeks and I was worried about this happening when she gets it off. Much sympathy to you, and I'm interested to see the answers you get!