Stitches- major burning, stabbing pains but leg is in cast

conniedodgen,

There is no set time to take sutures out. At three weeks, the wound should be well healed. Sometimes, when sutures are left in for an extended period of time, they can become buried. That just makes them more difficult to remove, but does not really affect the wound healing any.

However, if you are having cast problems, that need to be investigated. Anytime a patient complains of cast problems, if should be taken as serious enough to look at. A cast should always be comfortable. They are a pain to deal with, but they should not be painful. So, if you are having problems with your cast, contact your surgeon.


If you are still nonweight bearing, there are several devices that are available for you. A Knee-Walker/Knee-Scooter may help you get around more easily, if you have trouble with upper body strength. The freedom crutches come in a variety of styles. The basically place a device on the leg, at different angles (depending upon the variety), which offloads the foot, and places the weight bearing on the shin or knee. Some patients find them very easy to use, while others find them awkward and off balancing. All you can do is try them and see if they work for you.

Good luck.

I followed the advise given and saw my Ortho. He was glad I called. He removed stitches and has allowed me to wear my big boot. Of course I had to promise no weight !! The cause of pain was a bone bruise on my heel. One expects pain but its nice if unexpected pain or just ?? Come up that one can get good advice on this site. Thanks for your time Galiec !!

Connie,

Try to not rest your foot on the point of the heel. This can cause the bruising and sometimes even a pressure sore. When you are not in a cast or fracture brace, you place weight on all parts of the foot (walking, lying in bed, sitting, etc). But, when immobilized, we tend to rest on the point of the heel mostly.

Try placing the fracture brace down on the ground so the whole sole touches the ground (no weight on it though!). When you have the foot up, place the pillow or pads under the broad area of the calf, so that the heel hangs free.

This will help to prevent the pressure on the point of the heel.


Good luck. Hope eveything is healing well.