You’ve been counting down the days to your dream trip to Mexico with friends. Your passport is ready, your bags are packed—and then, just weeks before takeoff, you trip and break your ankle. Does this mean your travel plans are canceled? Not necessarily.
Steven Erickson, MD, an internal and sports medicine doctor with Banner – University Medicine shared insights on traveling safely with a broken bone.
When is it safe to travel with a broken bone?
Breaking a bone before a trip can be discouraging, but it doesn’t always mean you need to cancel your plans. According to Dr. Erickson, traveling by car or plane is typically safe if your injury is properly immobilized.
“It is safe to travel by car or plane with a broken bone as long as the fracture is appropriately immobilized,” Dr. Erickson said. “For lower extremity fractures, travel is easier with a knee scooter instead of crutches. Patients should remember to elevate the injured extremity during and after travel to decrease swelling.”
Additional tips for traveling safely:
- Pack strategically: Choose lightweight luggage with wheels to avoid lifting heavy bags.
- Use mobility aids: Consider using a knee scooter, wheelchair, or crutches to help navigate airports or tourist destinations.
- Plan for accessibility: Check that your accommodations and transportation are mobility-friendly.
- Elevate and ice as needed: Bring a travel pillow or small cushion to elevate your injured limb during transit.
When to stay home
While some fractures are manageable for travel, others require you to hit pause on your plans. Open wounds, fresh stitches or severe injuries like a broken neck or spine can pose significant risks.
“Care should always be taken to avoid further trauma to the fracture site or cast when lifting luggage or moving around,” Dr. Erickson advised. “Lower extremity immobilization and travel can increase the incidence of blood clots. Patients should consult with their treating physician regarding travel and ways of decreasing their risk of blood clots.”
Red flags to delay travel:
- Open fractures or wounds: Increased risk of infection.
- Recent surgeries: Increased complications during travel.
- Severe fractures: Broken neck, spine or pelvis injuries require extra caution.
- Circulatory concerns: Lower extremity injuries can heighten the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long flights or car rides.
What to avoid while traveling
Planning ahead is essential when traveling with a broken bone. Some activities, like snorkeling or scuba diving, may not be suitable for casted or braced limbs.
“Patients can travel in an airplane with a broken bone and even to the beach,” Dr. Erickson said. “When a patient may be exposed to sand or water, the casted extremity should be covered with a plastic bag to prevent water exposure or sand getting under the cast, which can cause skin irritation.”
Travel precautions to consider:
- Airplane seating: Reserve extra legroom if you need to keep your leg elevated.
- Water activities: Avoid activities like swimming or snorkeling, as casts should stay dry.
- Crowded areas: Be cautious in busy locations to avoid bumping or further injury.
- Extreme sports: Postpone high-impact activities until your injury is fully healed.
Staying safe while traveling with an injury
Traveling with a broken bone can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can still enjoy your trip and keep your recovery on track. From choosing the right mobility aids to protecting your cast, small adjustments can make a big difference.
Need personalized advice on managing your injury before you travel? Visit a nearby Banner Urgent Care or schedule an appointment with a Banner Health physician today.
Recommended reading
- These Expert Strategies Make It Easy to Travel With Your Medication
- How to Stay Active During Long Flights, Train Travel and Layovers
- How to Reduce Your Risk of Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
Information in this blog was updated on January 3, 2025.
