Immobilisation
Although immobilisation of the foot and leg is a recognised
treatment following a fracture or surgery, many people are unaware
that this can be used to help ease pain in a wide range of
conditions.
The aim of the treatment is to completely rest the area so that
inflammation and swelling are allowed to settle, which generally
eases pain. Although a cast can be on the foot alone (foot cast) it
usually has to extend beyond the ankle to just below the knee
(below knee cast). The traditional method of using plaster of Paris
has largely been replaced by using synthetic materials such as
acrylic. This has the advantage of being stronger and lighter.
The disadvantages include inconvenience, reduced mobility and
disuse. If a below knee cast is used for 4-6 weeks (the common time
period), there will almost certainly be a reduction in the bulk of
the muscles of the leg with resultant weakness. This will need
building up again. There may also be some thinning of the bones of
the foot and leg (osteoporosis) and there is a small risk of a
blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) due to the immobilisation.
One option is to use a removable boot to achieve the same
result. Although these are still inconvenient, they do allow
washing and treatment (such as physiotherapy) can be continued
during the course of recovery. This may also help to reduce the
degree of muscle loss experienced with the use of traditional
casts.