The term describes a prescribed level of weight that an individual is permitted to place on a lower extremity during ambulation or standing. This limitation is typically expressed as a percentage of the individual’s total body weight or in terms of a specific weight measurement. For instance, a physician might instruct a patient to place only 20% of their body weight on the affected leg, or specify a maximum force of 20 pounds.
Adhering to these instructions is crucial for proper healing following injury or surgery. Controlled loading of the bone encourages bone remodeling and prevents complications such as non-union fractures or delayed healing. Historically, crutches or other assistive devices have been the primary means to enforce the weight-bearing restriction. The evolution of rehabilitation techniques has emphasized the importance of patient education and compliance to optimize treatment outcomes.