Driving with a broken foot or ankle is dependent on which foot is injured and what is on it.
An ankle or foot fracture is painful. Mobility may also be a concern. How will you move around? Can you drive with a broken foot? Can you still go to work? Or even leave your bed?
We’ve also seen a lot of debates regarding whether it’s allowed to drive with your foot in a boot or cast. The majority of the replies in the article essentially circled back to this idea. The answer mostly relies on what your doctor advises. We don’t claim to be lawyers and we aren’t. However, keeping that in mind, let’s look at the variables that are present in any foot fracture. These are the criteria your Houston podiatrist will use to determine when can you drive after a broken ankle or foot.
Different Types of Foot Fractures
The severity of your injuries is the first thing we take into account. Surgery can be required if you have a foot fracture that is displaced or unstable. You won’t be able to drive for at least a few days following surgery. Whichever foot you fractured; you’ll need to take some time to heal before getting behind the wheel again.
But what if your fracture is stable? Or the kind of hairline fracture known as a stress fracture? Can you drive with a broken foot? The affected foot will matter in certain situations. Likewise, how we immobilize your injury will vary. Because driving with a broken foot or ankle could occasionally be safe. However, under other circumstances, it would be very risky.
Can You Drive with A Cast on Your Foot?
Another often asked question is this one. Unfortunately, there isn’t just one answer. There are certain things that are obviously off limits, like driving with your right foot in a cast or brace. So, you may anticipate having to arrange other transportation for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
But don’t think that you’ll be able to drive right away when we take your cast off. Why? You’ll have lost a lot of strength in your foot and/or ankle after being immobile for weeks. As a consequence, you should hold off on trying to drive until your walking has returned to normal. Physical therapy may be something you find helpful in getting your strength back and getting back to your normal gait.
Can You Drive with A Fractured Left Foot?
What if your driving foot is not the one that is wearing a walking boot or cast? Again, the solution is a little hazy in this case: you could be able to drive safely, but you might also not be. You see, having a lot of extra weight on your left foot or ankle does affect how your body travels on the pedals of your automobile. Therefore, we make individual decisions on driving with a broken foot or ankle.
But if your left foot or ankle is fractured, how can we tell whether you’re safe to drive a vehicle? Practicing driving is the only risk-free technique to assess your readiness in this situation. However, do it in an empty parking lot where the consequences are minimal if your reflexes are slow.
To determine if you are safe to drive on actual roads after this test, consider a few factors. First, ensure sure the cast isn’t interfering with your ability to quickly press the brake or accelerator. Next, check to see whether your discomfort isn’t distractingly terrible. If both of those conditions are met, there are chances that you will be safe while driving, but obviously there are no assurances.
Prioritize Recovery When Assessing a Broken Foot
At DeNiel, we make sure you heal fully from a broken foot as quickly as is practical.
There are several things to worry about after fracturing your foot or ankle. However, at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, ensuring that you make a complete recovery in the shortest time possible is our top priority.
We want you to have an x-ray as soon as you suspect an injury so that we can help you recover. This will enable us to diagnose you quickly and begin your recuperation right away. Additionally, it will prevent you from aggravating your condition by continuing to walk on a fractured foot.
We will provide you with a personalized treatment plan once we are aware of the kind of fracture you have. When we are certain that you are on the road to recovery, we will next begin discussing lifestyle considerations.
We’ll go through the activities that will and won’t be safe for you in this conversation. All of your activities will be considered, including driving with a broken foot or ankle, exercising and walking.
Taking into account all the issues we covered today; we will provide you with a list of dos and don’ts for your recovery. And if we give you the okay to drive? Whenever you go behind the wheel, please continue to double-check everything.
Why is this so? When driving with a broken foot or ankle, you must be constantly conscious of your mental acuity. That is true even if you do it after your cast has been taken off. You see, your injury may still have an influence on other aspects of driving safety even if it doesn’t directly limit your ability to do so. Therefore, it may not be safe for you to drive if your pain level is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep. Regardless of your physical capability, that is.
You’ll understandably worry about your mobility if you’ve fractured a bone in your foot or ankle. But you must always prioritize your safety above worries about little inconveniences. After an injury like this, only you can determine whether you’re really ready to drive. But as your podiatrist in Houston, I really hope you’ll bring me into the discussion so we can keep you secure both before and after your rehabilitation. And if you’re just unsure whether it’s safe? Take extra precautions. However, you are also welcome to phone us or schedule a visit so that you may discuss the matter in person.
