Can you drive with a leg cast?

If your foot or ankle breaks, your doctor may need to put you in a cast. You will be asked to remain weight-free for a period of time to allow the injured area to heal. Does that mean you can’t drive? Here are some questions to ask yourself to figure out the answer.

Question 1: Which leg is the cast on?

If you put it on your right leg and normally use your right foot to accelerate and brake, the answer is no, you should not drive. If you have a cast on your left leg, driving may still be an option.

Question 2: Do any medications affect your reactions?

Review your medications and make sure you are not taking anything that impairs your ability to react quickly in a vehicle. Medications should tell you if you shouldn’t drive while taking them. You will have to wait to drive until you stop taking medications that may affect your abilities.

Question 3: Does your doctor say it is okay?

When you are recovering from an injury, the smart thing to do is follow your doctor’s advice. If your doctor says that it is better to rest at home and not drive, you should follow those instructions. Your doctor may be thinking about the best recovery time, as well as your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Question 4: Is the plaster on the road?

If your cast is on your left foot, it may not get in the way. But you will have to sit behind the wheel and double check it to make sure it doesn’t interfere with your driving in any way. If you can make sure you won’t, driving is an option for you.

Question 5: Does it hurt?

Once the cast is removed and you are on the road to recovery, you may be able to start driving. However, if it hurts to put pressure on your foot, you should be careful and stay away from driving long distances. Driving is easier than walking over the injured area, but too much pressure and stress can still send you spiraling backward.

When you have a cast, your whole life can change. Everything is more difficult to do and you may feel quite isolated, as you may have to depend on others to get you to and from anywhere you need to go. Go ahead and enjoy the extra time with these people. While they are there, use them to help you get in and out of your new location to ensure your safety. You can take the time to pay them back when you get back on your feet.

If you think you can drive on your own, consider these questions and proceed with caution. Your safety and the safety of those around you is the most important consideration.