aircast on or off while sleeping

[slaphoundapbt]

Hi folks; just wondering what were instructed and did as far as sleeping once in a removeable cast?

on or off?

Thanks

[djp]

I take mine off and put my leg on a pillow - seems fine as long as I don't get kicked in the night

[swancvs]

I asked my consultant specifically about this as was told to keep it on. I'm currently non-weight bearing mind you. Perhaps that will change after I'm allowed to bear weight. Are you allowed to bear weight? If you can't bear weight, then you shouldn't leave your leg unprotected.

[AmiS]

I think this depends on where you are in your healing process...I got my boot post week 6 and was told I could sleep with it off. However, I've noticed that those in boots sooner are often told not too - presumably so the boot can replicate the cast in keeping your foot in the right position. Not sure why then they don't put you in another cast....

[djp]

I got my aircast boot two weeks after surgery and was encouraged to "ground" the boot each step even though I was putting bearly any weight on it at all. After a week in the boot I'm putting more weight on it (but still always 2 crutches) - I'm not sure if you class this as weight bearing?

I wasn't given specific instruction on taking it off at night, but it seems a weird / uncomfortable thing to sleep in so I took it off from the first night, I also leave it off for my morning shower (I have a folding deckchair in there!)