Helping Your Child Walk Again After a Lower Leg Cast: A Parent’s Guide
Helping Kids Heal, Move and Thrive
When your child gets the “all clear” after having a cast removed from their leg, it’s a moment of relief and celebration. But for many families, what follows can be unexpectedly challenging. You might have been told your child is now fine to walk… but they refuse to stand, hobble on tiptoes, or keep asking to be carried. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
At Nurture Paediatrics, we regularly support tamariki and their families through this very phase – helping children retake confident steps (literally!) after a fracture. This blog will guide you through what’s going on, why your child might be anxious or reluctant, and what you can do to help – practically, gently, and playfully.
Why Won’t My Child Walk After the Cast Is Off?
Your child’s leg might be healed on the inside, but it doesn’t always feel that way on the outside. Kids may refuse to stand or walk because:
They’re scared it will hurt
They’ve lost confidence
They don’t understand that their bone is now strong again
Their leg feels strange or different when they put weight on it
They feel like their leg is too weak to hold them up
And to be honest – this is all totally normal.
Imagine this: for the last 3–6 weeks, every adult around them has said “don’t walk!”, “don’t touch the ground with that foot!” – and suddenly, we say, “go ahead, it’s fine!” It’s no wonder they’re confused. For many children, especially under the age of 6, it’s hard to reconcile those mixed messages. Even if you tell them it’s okay now, their body might be saying, “this doesn’t feel right.”
What Has Changed in Their Leg?
After a cast comes off, it’s common to see changes in the affected leg, including:
Muscle loss – the leg might look smaller or skinnier than the other one
Dry skin – often flaky or peeling, sometimes itchy
More body hair – hair may be darker or longer than before
Sensitivity – the leg may feel weird when touched, washed, or dressed
Stiffness – in both muscles and joints
Weaker movement – not just in the broken part, but also in the hips, bottom, and core due to weeks of not bearing full weight
These changes are temporary and will improve with gentle movement and use – but they’re important to acknowledge with your child. Talking about it helps reduce fear and builds trust.
Why Does Their Foot Feel “Weird”?
Our feet are full of sensory receptors called mechanoreceptors, which help detect pressure, vibration, and movement. These receptors go a bit “offline” when a foot is in a cast – and when the cast is removed, they’re easily overwhelmed. It can feel a lot like walking barefoot on stones for the first time in summer!
To your child, this can feel “wrong,” even if everything is actually okay. And if their body is yelling, “don’t do this!” it’s confusing when all the adults are saying, “go ahead, walk!”
At Nurture Paediatrics, we talk to kids in kid-friendly language:
🌟 “Your body is just waking up again.”
🌟 “Your leg is trying to remember how to help you stand.”
🌟 “Let’s help your body remember with some fun games!”
Talk About It Together
Don’t underestimate how powerful a conversation can be. Sit with your child and say:
“Your leg is healed now – your body did an amazing job!”
“It might feel different – that’s okay. Let’s help it feel normal again.”
“I will help you practice, and we’ll do it in fun ways.”
Ask them what they’re feeling. Often, they’ll say it feels “funny,” “wobbly,” “tickly,” or “ouchy.” Just acknowledging those feelings without pushing too hard makes a big difference.
What Can I Do to Help?
Here are our top tips and activities to help your child regain their confidence and movement after their cast is off:
✅Start with gentle standing
In the bath or shower, where the water can soothe the foot
Holding onto a sturdy surface like the couch or your hands
Play music and do a slow “freeze dance” – even just weight shifting side to side
✅ Try sensory play
Use soft cloths, flannels, or even paintbrushes to gently touch the leg
Walking on soft surfaces (carpet, grass, sponges)
Tap the leg with different textures – feathers, plastic toys, foam blocks
✅ Make movement fun
Balloon games – try to keep it up in the air using feet
Bubble chasing – encourage running, reaching, and jumping
Scooters or trikes – if they can safely do so, start on flat surfaces
The Floor is Lava – stepping between cushions or mats
Paddle in the pool – warm water is fantastic for gentle loading and trust
✅ Focus on symmetry
We want to make sure both legs are doing their fair share. Aim to rebuild:
Balance
Power (like hopping or running)
Coordination (climbing, walking over obstacles)
Every Child Is Unique
Not every child will bounce back at the same pace. Some kids might be walking normally within a day. Others need a week or two of encouragement. If you’re worried or unsure, that’s where we come in.
At Nurture Paediatrics, we’re experts in children’s movement and recovery – and we love helping tamariki return to their full awesome selves. Whether it's through physiotherapy, fun exercises, or supporting parents with a plan, our team is here to help.
When to Reach Out
If your child:
Is still not weight-bearing after a week
Is limping with pain
Is turning their foot in/out excessively
Complains that it “doesn’t feel right” after trying for several days
Then it’s a great time to get a professional involved. The earlier we help, the smoother the recovery.
The Goal: Trust in Their Body Again
This is more than just a physical recovery. It’s about rebuilding trust in their body, helping them feel safe, and encouraging movement confidence. The key is to go slowly, celebrate small wins, and keep it playful.
Because sometimes, injuries happen. But with the proper support, recovery can be a powerful part of your child’s growth – physically, emotionally, and in confidence.
Need help? We're here.
Visit us at Nurture Paediatrics or contact our team to chat.
We’ll support your child’s journey back to movement with kindness, fun, and expert care.