Aircast - Weight bearing or non-weight-bearing?!

Aircast - Weight bearing or non-weight-bearing?

I have a fracture of the navicular bone and was put in an Aircast XP (Extra Pneumatic) Walker cast. Is this considered a weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing cast?

4 weeks ago
I have a fracture of the navicular bone and was put in an Aircast XP (Extra Pneumatic) Walker cast. Is this considered a weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing cast? I am not using crutches (is that what the difference is between the two - the use of crutches?).

4 weeks ago
Related question: I was given a weight-bearing cast (no crutches or anything, and no limitations on walking). In reading about navicular fractures, it sounds like the treatment involves 4-6 weeks of a NON-weight-bearing cast. Why would my doctor have recommended otherwise?

4 weeks ago
Response to question in a post: I probably fractured it months ago. Just went to the doctor a day ago and got the cast. He noticed the fracture very clearly from an x-ray which is apparently rare for a navicular fracture. I never really knew I had a fracture - it was somewhat painful but nothing severe, and I had been walking on it fine. I wonder if that's why I was not told to go non-weight-bearing, but I would hope this doesn't slow the healing process down.

Both.

It depends on your injury,the severity of your injury,your doctor's preferences,and your pain level.

The great thing about walking boots is their versatility.Since they immobilize the joint like casts do,like casts,they can be used for no weight-bearing,partial weight-bearing,or full weight-bearing.

Non weight-bearing includes the use of crutches,a cane,a walker,or a wheelchair to get around because no weight is allowed to be put on the joint.

Partial weight-bearing also includes the use of crutches,canes or a walker,and the patient can put some,but not all weight on the joint,usually as much as tolerated,but not all.This eventually progresses to full weight-bearing.

Full weight-bearing,you use no walking aids.You may still be limping,but eventually progresses to being normal again.

As to why your doctor didn't recommend non-weight-bearing,how long ago did you fracture the bone,and how long ago did you see the doctor?If the bone has already started healing well enough that you don't need to be non-weight bearing.If you have questions,go see your doctor again.If you don't trust your doctor's diagnosis and treatment,go get a second opinion.That never hurts!

Hope that helps!