Lower leg fracture

Your child has a lower leg fracture. This page explains how to take care of your child at home.

Your child may or may not have the bone reduced (realigned, or put back, in the proper position) in the Emergency Department.

Lower leg fracture

Your child may need a cast

Whether your child needs a cast depends on the location and nature of the fracture. Your child may need a half cast or backslab (a cast that goes halfway around the leg), complete cast or air cast. If your child needs a cast, it may be put on in the Emergency Department. How long your child needs to wear the cast depends on your child's age and rate of healing. Many children wear the cast for four to eight weeks, or even longer.

Follow-up appointment at the fracture clinic

One week after the injury, your child will need to have an appointment with the fracture clinic at the hospital.

At the follow-up appointment, the health-care provider will explain when your child can start to put weight on the leg and how long your child will probably need to wear the cast.

Removing the cast

If your child has a half cast or backslab, you may be instructed to take the cast off at home once the fracture has healed. When taking the cast off, carefully cut up the flannel or soft material side of the cast with scissors to remove it.

Other types of casts will need to be removed by the orthopaedic technologists.

At home after the cast is removed

After the cast is removed, your child's leg may be dry, itchy and look dirty. Use warm water and soap to gently wash it and cream to moisturize the skin.

Your child's leg may look smaller and feel weaker than the other leg. The muscles get thin from not being used. The muscles will get bigger and stronger as your child goes back to normal activities.

It is normal for your child to limp, walk with the foot turned out and protect the leg

When the cast is off, your child may limp, walk with the foot turned out and protect the leg. This is normal and may last for several months. This is because the muscles are weak and the joints are stiff. With more activity, your child will walk as well as before.

Avoid contact sports

Your child should avoid high-risk and high-impact activities, such as contact sports, for a minimum of four to six weeks after removing the cast. Talk with your child's health-care team for specific recommendations for your child. Your child will gradually gain confidence in the leg and will return to regular activities.

If you have any concerns, contact your child's health-care provider or the advanced practice nurse (APN) at the fracture clinic.