No, you shouldn't walk on your foot if you have stitches, especially if they are on the bottom of your foot or toes. Walking puts strain on the wound, increasing the risk of the stitches breaking, the wound reopening, and delaying healing.
When Can You Walk After Foot Stitches?
The ability to walk after foot stitches depends heavily on the location and severity of the injury, as well as your doctor's recommendations. While light activity like walking is generally fine after stitch removal (as stated in this article), it's crucial to avoid putting weight on the stitched area before then.
- Immediate Post-Stitch Period: Keep your weight off your foot as much as possible to aid healing and prevent reopening the wound. This is especially important for stitches on the underside of your foot or toes. [Source 1, Source 2]
- Doctor's Orders: Your doctor will determine when it's safe to start bearing weight and walking again. This timeframe varies depending on the individual case. [Source 3, Source 4]
- Gradual Return to Walking: After your stitches are removed, the return to walking should be gradual. You may need assistive devices like crutches or a cane initially. [Source 4]
Some cases may require longer periods of non-weight bearing, such as after more extensive foot surgeries. For example, after hammer toe surgery, it might take 3-6 weeks or longer before you can walk for extended periods. [Source 6]
In short: Don't walk on your stitched foot until your doctor says it's okay. Following your doctor's instructions is essential for proper healing and preventing complications.
