This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy
Being in a cast is uncomfortable enough without adding unnecessary frustration from clothing or seating that doesn’t work for your situation. Since I found myself needing to adapt nearly every aspect of daily life with a fracture foot, I wanted to share the best ways I’ve discovered to stay as comfortable as possible while recovering.
Comfortable Clothing for Life in a Cast
Wearing a cast means rethinking your wardrobe. Here are a few clothing tips that made a big difference for m
Loose-Fitting Pants or Shorts – Regular pants, especially skinny jeans or leggings, are a no-go with a leg cast. I found that wide-leg sweatpants worked best for ease of movement and comfort. I wore them outside as well. If you don’t want to struggle with pants at all, dresses and oversized sweaters are great options as well.
Slip-On Shoes – Since tying laces or squeezing into sneakers became a challenge, I switched to slip-on shoes to make getting around easier. I found these Crocs Unisex-Adult Mellow Recovery Slides specially helpful because they are soft and have arch support.
Warm Socks or Cast Covers – If your toes are exposed, they will get cold quickly. Cast socks or covers designed specifically for warmth and cleanliness are a must. Here are some great cast covers to keep your feet warm.
Finding a Comfortable Sitting Position
Sitting comfortably while wearing a cast is another challenge, especially when trying to elevate your leg to reduce swelling. Here’s what worked for me:
- Leg Elevation Pillows – These specially designed pillows keep your leg elevated at the right angle, reducing discomfort and swelling. I tried using a couple of regular pillows, and while they worked for the most part, they weren’t very comfortable—especially during the first few weeks. As a side sleeper, I found it challenging to get the right support. If you’re in a similar situation, investing in a proper elevation pillow might be worth considering for better comfort and recovery.
- Recliners or Adjustable Chairs – Being able to change positions easily made a huge difference. If you have access to a recliner or a chair with an adjustable footrest, it will save you a lot of discomfort. We have an L-shaped sofa, and I found that propping my foot up on the backrest was one of the most comfortable positions I could get. I spent a lot of time on the couch, watching TV and reading books, and having a supportive setup made a world of difference.
- Extra Cushions and Blankets – Adding pillows behind my back and using soft blankets for warmth made long periods of sitting much cozier.
Additional Comfort Tips
Beyond clothing and seating, here are a few other things that helped me stay comfortable:
- Ice Packs and Heating Pads – Swelling and stiffness are common while in a cast. I found that ice pack helped reduce swelling, while heating pads eased sore muscles. In the first two weeks, I especially focused on icing behind my knee, which provided a lot of relief. I used a simple ziplock bag with ice, but there are plenty of convenient ice pack options available on the market that might make the process even easier.
- A Lap Desk – I didn’t personally use this, but it looks like a great idea if you need a convenient workspace while recovering. Since sitting at a desk for eight hours might not be practical, a lap desk can make working, eating meals, or using a laptop much more comfortable.
Being in a cast is never easy, but with the right clothing, seating, and comfort items, the experience can be a little more bearable. If you’re going through a similar recovery, I hope these tips help make your healing journey as smooth as possible!