What Does it Mean to Be Non-weightbearing?
If you're considering foot or ankle surgery, your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon may have said you'll need to be non-weightbearing for a period of weeks after your procedure. What does that mean?
The term non-weightbearing, sometimes prescribed simply as "N.W.B.," refers to restrictions placed on you immediately after surgery. You will be advised to avoid putting the surgically repaired foot on the floor. This typically means no weight whatsoever, not even for a second or two whether standing or seated.
Why is it bad for your foot to touch the ground after surgery?
Most people cannot accurately gauge how much weight they're putting on a foot even if they’re just grazing the floor with it. Putting any weight on an operated foot or ankle can damage the repair that's been done. Bones need time to heal. Plates or screws that may have been added during surgery need the bones to heal around them. Adding weight too soon can interrupt this important internal healing process.
Equally important, surgical wounds heal better when they are not stressed by weight. Incisions such as those for an Achilles tendon repair or a fracture repair can particularly benefit from being non-weightbearing, but all procedures that involve surgical cutting need a period of no weight so incisions can heal.
In addition, a period of non-weightbearing also helps reduce swelling, which is common after foot or ankle surgery. Keeping swelling down will help tissues heal more quickly, and sometimes elevation helps control pain.
How will I get around?
If your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon has said that avoiding any weight on your foot is essential to healing, there are several options to consider.
Crutches
Many patients use crutches after surgery to keep their affected foot off the ground. The most common type,axillary crutches, are made of wood or aluminum and fit under the arms. Adjustment is important. You should be able to fit two fingers under your arm when standing with crutches. With your arms hanging down, the crutch handle should be at the crease of your wrist. For some patients, a standard walker may also be useful.
Knee scooter
Also known as a knee walker, the knee scooter is designed with a knee pad and wheels. You place your knee on the pad and roll yourself forward using handle bars to balance and steer. Brakes help keep the scooter stationary when you get off of it. Accessories can include a basket for stowing your cell phone or medication, a cup holder, and non-skid wheels. Knee scooters can be rented or purchased and may be covered by insurance.
Seated scooter
Narrower and lighter than a wheelchair, the seated scooter allows you to roll about from a seated position. And like the knee scooter, you get around using your own power, though some models come in powered versions. Similarly, accessories such as a basket and cup holder add to convenience. Brakes typically are standard, and seated scooters can be rented or purchased.
Following your surgeon's orders, especially when it comes to staying off of your operated foot or ankle, can make the difference between a normal healing period or a longer healing period with potential complications. Before your surgery, make sure you understand your surgeon's non-weightbearing instructions, particularly the length of time you'll need to avoid weight on your foot, and then plan ways to stay mobile during this time.
Contributors/Reviewers: Robert Gorman, MD; Jamal Ahmad, MD; Hui Zhang, MD
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatments. If you need medical advice, use the "Find a Surgeon" search to locate a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon in your area.
FAQs
Non-Weight Bearing (NWB): Do not place any weight through the surgical/injured leg. This includes resting your feet or toes on the ground. While walking and sitting, make sure to keep your foot elevated off of the ground at all times.
How long does it take to transition from non-weight bearing to weight bearing? ›
Weight bearing typically happens over 2, 4 or 6 week period or sooner in some cases. This is determined by your physician based on your injury and healing status. You should follow closely to the instructions provided in order to avoid creating further issues by using the wrong protocol.
Is sitting considered non-weight bearing? ›
The term non-weightbearing, sometimes prescribed simply as "N.W.B.," refers to restrictions placed on you immediately after surgery. You will be advised to avoid putting the surgically repaired foot on the floor. This typically means no weight whatsoever, not even for a second or two whether standing or seated.
How do people survive non-weight bearing? ›
Walking aids
A physiotherapist will assess your mobility after your surgery, and will teach you to use an appropriate walking aid. This will probably be crutches or in some cases a walking frame. A frame provides more support for patients with poor balance, or weak arms, but for most people crutches suffice.
What happens if you accidentally put weight on a non weight bearing leg? ›
Signs that you need to see your healthcare provider if you accidentally break your weight-bearing status may include: Increased pain in your injured or operated leg. An increase in redness or swelling in your leg. Difficulty moving around that causes more pain.
How can I be non weight bearing without crutches? ›
A knee scooter looks like a bicycle but instead of a seat, it has a knee pad. You put your knee on the affected side on the pad and then use the other foot to push yourself forward. Your ankle and foot are safely tucked behind you to prevent any weight bearing.
Is wearing a walking boot considered non-weight bearing? ›
The first phase is the non-weight bearing while using a walking boot, the second is weight bearing while continuing to use the walking boot and finally, full weight bearing once the walking boot is no longer needed. The first phase may not be needed, depending on the type and severity of the injury or surgery.
Does it hurt to start weight bearing? ›
You should expect some degree of discomfort when beginning to weight-bear.
Is walking considered weight bearing? ›
Weight-bearing aerobic activities
Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. These types of exercise work directly on bones in the legs, hips and lower spine to slow bone loss. They also improve blood flow and are good for the heart.
How do you take a shower if you are not weight bearing? ›
Plastic or Waterproof Stool: You can use a sturdy plastic stool or a waterproof stool inside the shower. Make sure it's slip-resistant and stable.
It's important to avoid placing weight on your ankle after surgery, as this gives it time to heal. If you accidentally put weight onto your ankle, you may have pain and swelling. If these don't go away, it may be best to contact your surgeon.
What is 1 example of a non weight bearing exercise? ›
What is non weight bearing activity? Non weight bearing (NWB) activity is exercise or motion you can do without supporting your own weight. For example, your weight is supported by water when you swim. NWB activities will not cause impact or strain.
What happens after 6 weeks of non-weight bearing? ›
Once cleared by a medical professional, partial weight-bearing activities may begin. This phase often starts with assistive devices such as crutches, walkers, or canes to support the body's weight while gradually increasing the load on the injured limb.
When can I stop elevating my foot after surgery? ›
It is important to rest and keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart for 23 hours a day for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. Elevating of your foot will encourage healing and decrease the chance of wound infection and break down. It will also help with pain and swelling.
How do you start weight bearing after surgery? ›
Depending on the procedure performed, I emphasize nonweightbearing for two weeks postoperatively until the incision has completely healed. I then allow partial weight bearing in a removable short leg boot if tolerated. Increases in weightbearing are progressed on a weekly basis and are guided by swelling and pain.
What causes non-weight bearing? ›
Non-Weight Bearing Restriction
Since certain injuries require time to heal, your doctor may have restricted you from placing any weight on your foot. Some surgical wounds also take time to heal and putting your weight on them can interrupt the incisions from healing.
What is weight bearing status post surgery? ›
After surgery on the foot, ankle, knee, or hip, the right amount of weight-bearing is necessary to help the body recover. Most patients who can partially bear weight need crutches or some ambulatory device. Non-weight bearing means the leg should not touch the floor or support any bodyweight.
How do I get around without a weight bearing foot? ›
USING CRUTCHES WHILE NON-WEIGHT BEARING. While you recover, you'll probably be issued with a pair of crutches, or advised to get some, to help you get around without putting any weight on your injured leg. These may be conventional crutches but an alternative hands-free crutch is becoming more widely recommended.
