“I’d rather go to summer school than go to school on crutches”.
Embarrassment. Studies have shown that teens fear being embarrassed more than anything else. While adults may have difficulty relating to this real emotion, it helps explain everything from peer pressure to why “I’m not going to school on crutches“. While putting the school on hold 4 to 12 weeks till you’re back on both feet is not an option, there are things you can do to deal with the situation.
Talk with the school The principal and staff are used to having students on crutches. There are things they can routinely do to help students recovering on one foot. Everything from being dismissed early from class to avoid the rush in the hallways or granting access to the “teachers only” elevator. Teachers and coaches can also be good monitors that the student stays off their foot. A word from a respected teacher or coach can go further than another lecture from a parent or doctor.
Ensure the teen understands why. Rebellion is normal and just because a parent or doctor says they must stay off their healing foot doesn’t mean it will happen. The teen needs to understand why it is important to them. They also need to grasp the possible outcome if they don’t stay off their broken foot: a longer recovery, surgery or other surgery, or a poor outcome. Make it clear and applicable to them. “If you don’t stay off your foot you won’t be able to play football next year either.”
Connect with other teens going through a similar challenge. While they may think they are the only person at school on crutches, you know there are thousands just like them. Visit safe online communities like My Broken Leg where they can go to chat with others recovering on one foot. Even Facebook has a fan page for “I hate crutches”. This connection will help them realize they are not alone and allow them to share tips and tricks to make recovery easier.
Turn an ugly injury into a work of art. Remember when you could have everyone sign your plaster cast? Now that they are made of fiberglass they are much lighter but harder to personalize with a marker. Instead, decorate your cast with Casttoo’s. From your favorite sport to flowers, to the Tattoo they want to get, Casttoo’s make for happy healing. You can even decorate your crutches with Shrinking.
The big reveal. Don’t make the bus stop or the front door of school the dramatic surprise. Instead, have your teen invite a few friends over to your home prior to going to school. This positive reinforcement in a controlled environment will help ease the fear of school.
What seems like a major drama today can become a happy memory. Working together with your teen will help their recovery and everyone’s peace of mind.
Foot Injury in the Summer Vs Winter
I broke my leg while playing football 4 months ago. Both tibia and fibula of my right leg has broken and I underwent few surgeries. Rods, wires, plates and finally a long leg plaster cast covering the whole leg from up to bottom were applied . And I was advised to walk with crutches for damn 8 months . Since I could walk with crutches after 2 months after the accident I went to my school limping with crutches . Everyone supported me in and outside the classroom and still they do . They support me when I climb the stairs and when I want to sit or get up. I want to tell you that don t be afraid to use crutches as a school student . I will have to walk with crutches further 4 more months and I m looking forward to that in a positive mood.
Or dear, so sorry to hear your story.
I wish you a fast recovery. And most funnily I had also broken my leg a month ago. And too bad, my arm is also fractured in 3 places, and both my arm and leg have applied plaster casts, and I am still in the hospital bed hanging my arm and leg. I will have to wait to with crutches until July because my arm should get fully recovered before I can handle crutches. And doctors said I would have to walk using crutches at least for a year. Until I could be able to use crutches, the only option is sticking around with a wheelchair. It s not really feeling well here on the bed with a broken hand and a broken leg. And I will have to go to school by the end of this month with my injured limbs. It will be really strange as I have never been in a wheelchair or limping using crutches. I will have to answer all of the people who ask what happened to you ooooh it will be more embarrassing than walking with crutches.
Broke my ankle while doing a back flips as a flyer in cheer. It snapped halfway! It hurt but soon felt better b/c I stayed off it. My friends were supportive – they carried my violin, book bag, and textbooks for me. I’m better now… and am only doing back walkovers and aerials b/c I’m comfortable with those things. I’ll try the back flip another time – on a trampoline with a spotter.