Travel Tips with a Cast
Plan for flights, long car rides, and walking distances while protecting your cast and controlling swelling.
- Bring your mobility device, extra padding, and a cast cover for bathrooms/hotels.
- Elevate when possible and take movement breaks to reduce swelling.
- Wear loose clothing; avoid tight socks or jewelry near the cast.
- Keep medications accessible (not in checked luggage).
- Consider requesting wheelchair assistance for long airport walks if needed.
- Do not sit for long periods without moving your free joints and toes/fingers.
- Do not place luggage directly on the cast.
- Do not let the limb hang down for hours early on.
- Do not remove a cast for travel unless specifically instructed.
- Do not ignore swelling that worsens during travel.
1) Before travel: confirm restrictions and follow-up timing with our office.
2) During travel: elevate when possible; do finger/toe pumps every 30–60 minutes.
3) Hydrate and take brief standing/walking breaks if safe.
4) After arrival: elevate 20–30 minutes and re-check circulation.
5) If swelling causes tightness that doesn’t improve, call us.
- Increasing pain, tightness, numbness/tingling, or color change during travel.
- New calf pain or shortness of breath (seek urgent care).
- Cast damage from bumps or falls.