A walking boot is a type of medical shoe used to protect the foot and ankle after an injury or surgery. The boot can be used for broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, or shin splints. After you break your ankle, the doctors will typically order a walking boot for you to wear so that your foot can heal.
When a person has a foot injury or surgery, orthopedic walking boots are prescribed to aid in the recuperation process. They are designed so that they care for and assist renew shattered tendons and bones, as well as severe foot sprains.They prevent more damage and help the area heal. They are thicker and less flexible to provide greater usefulness.
Doctor’s orders will usually indicate a time frame for use. This is generally a short duration, as the primary treatment of the foot injury is occurring via other protocols.How long you wear it depends on how serious your injury is.
If you are experiencing some tingling, numbness or pain in your foot, your doctor may prescribe the use of an orthopedic walking boot. This boot is designed to keep pressure off of damaged muscles and tendons so that they can heal without added stress. It also provides support to help with swelling and any discomfort that comes with it. Nonetheless, most individuals have complained of foot and joint pains connected with the boots on occasion. This is because a walking boot is not a common piece of footwear with which most people are familiar. Many types of walking boots are available that come in different colors, designs, and sizes. Your doctor can help you determine which walking boot suits your needs best. Despite how bulky they might seem, walking boots are an important part of your recovery period.
Your doctor will show you how to remove and adjust your boot. Many tips for wearing a walking boot are available, but not all are relevant to your situation.Most walking boots have straps. Some have built-in air cushions that hold the injured area in place. Some boots have settings that control how much your ankle can move.
As a result, we’ve put up a few recommendations for wearing a walking boot that will help ensure that your walking rehabilitation never goes south. Rather than that, they should assist you in enjoying the most secure and pleasant stroll possible.
What Is a Walking Boot?
Walking boots are also known as walking casts. They’re used to heal injuries to the foot, ankle, or lower leg while stabilizing the injured area. The boots are usually made of polypropylene or PVC and have an upper part that covers most of the foot and a lower cuff that stabilizes around the top of your calf muscle. Walking boots are removable, and most of them can be adjusted. If you’ve had a fracture in your leg, foot, or toe recently but were not hospitalized for more than 24hrs, you are probably given a walking boot before being discharged from care.
A walking boot assists in stabilizing the foot and allowing it to recover. It may help you avoid putting too much weight on a particular region, such as your toe, while it recovers. The majority of boots feature between two and five adjustable straps that run mid-calf. Many also feature a Velcro strap at the top of the boot.Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks. How long you wear it depends on how serious your injury is.
Before you can wear a walking boot, your doctor will have to determine if it’s the right recovery option for you. Since it is an alternative recovery method, there are certain situations when medical professionals may not recommend it. Adjust or remove the boot only when your doctor says it’s okay.
After Breaking My Ankle, How Do I Put on The Walking Boot?
In most cases of a broken ankle, you will require some type of assistive device to get around at first. A walking boot is a device used to immobilize an injured foot or lower leg. It is made up of an exterior shell that is robust and inside cushioning that surrounds the foot and ankle, usually just below the knee. The boot can be used for broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, or shin splints, post-surgery recovery, and meniscus tears.
How To Put on a Cam Walking Boot
- Pull a sock, very gently, up your foot. To ease any discomfort, scrunch your sock down and insert your toes into the toe part of the sock. Slowly UN-bunch the sock as you pull it up–like putting on tights or nylons. For foot and ankle injuries, you may need to tape your foot before putting on the sock
- Open the boot by detaching the Velcro straps. Most boots will have between two and five Velcro straps depending on your injury and the stability of your ankle. Hold the Velcro straps back with one hand so that the front of the boot is completely opened
- Sit down and place the boot behind your leg
- Slide your foot and ankle back into the open boot. Completely detaching and pulling back on the Velcro straps will help your foot slide into the boot without needing to bend your foot or ankle
- Release the Velcro straps from your hand. Thread the first Velcro strap (the strap closest to your toes) through the middle of the plastic threading bar on the other side of the boot. Then pull the strap over the bar and back to the other side. You should pull the strap tight enough to restrict foot and ankle movement but not too tight to restrict circulation
- Thread and tighten all of the Velcro straps, from the bottom up. Get up from your seated position slowly and practice walking in your boot. Instead of walking heel-toe, your foot will roll from your heel to your toe. Many orthopedic boots are rounded to help your foot roll better. Walk around your home and up and down your stairs until you feel confident walking in your boots.
- Use a cane or one crutch for added support and to ease any pain. For foot, ankle and lower leg injuries, your cane or crutch should be on the side of your body opposite to your injury.
- The first time you try to put on the boot, it could be a bit tricky, but after that, it will get easier each time.
How to Wear & Walk in a Walking Boot
A broken ankle can put a serious wrench into your daily activities. A broken ankle, knee injury, sprained ankle or any other injury which led to the need for a walking boot can be extremely debilitating. It can keep you from living life to its full potential, and it robs you of an active lifestyle. Buying the right shoe with the correct orthopedic walking boots technique will go a long way in helping with this injury.
If you are wearing an orthopedic boot, it is most likely on one foot. This complicates walking and dressing, but not with the following tips.
Follow The Doctor’s Advice
The most important walking boot tip we can give you is to follow your doctor’s advice. You can trust that your doctor has your best interests at heart. Assure that you follow all of your physical therapist’s recommendations. If they advise, you should rest more and move less. If you must practice till you feel a touch of discomfort, do not disregard it. Most importantly, follow your doctor’s instructions closely. After all, you don’t want to risk re-injuring yourself or suffering through a longer healing period.
If your feet get swollen after the suggested walking time, attempt to rest and relax. Elevate your foot and if necessary apply some ice cubes. If the swelling does not subside or is accompanied by severe discomfort, you should see a physician.
Choose The Right Fit Walking Boot
- Choose a boot that is the right size.
- Choose a boot that isn’t too heavy.
- Choose a boot that can be easily put on and taken off.
- Choose a boot that can be tightened or loosened easily in case your foot swells.
- Choose a boot that has a comfortable interior.
- Choose a boot that you can wear for hours at a time without it feeling uncomfortable.
- Choose a boot with room but not too much room to avoid chafing and blistering.
Wear A Sock Liner/ Superfeet in Your Boots
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t want their foot or ankle injury to keep them home-bound, you should use a sock liner. When you use a sock liner, you add an extra cushion between your injured appendage and the ground.
This extra cushioning will ensure you are in less pain and discomfort even if you walk with your walking boot on all day. You can use many different sock liners, but choosing one that fits your boot and conforms to your foot is best. Without proper arch support, you could cause yourself unnecessary pain.
Superfeet is a comfortable product that can be used in many kinds of shoes. A sock liner is a thin material that resembles a sock that you insert and wear inside your boots. They insulate your feet from the impact of the boot’s contact with your foot.
When you are nearly completely healed, you may buy Superfeet insoles for your boots. To go with high-profile boots, you’ll need high-profile Superfeet. Superfeet will shape and structure the same as your feet, making it convenient for regular walking. Additionally, they are designed to reduce the irritation resulting from walking. The majority of Superfeet designed for walking include holes that let your feet breathe.
Sock liners and Superfeet protect your feet from blisters, hot spots, and other walking boot discomforts. Additionally, Superfeet cushions the joints that are irritated by an uncomfortable boot. Includes the heels, ankles, and knees, as well as the spine. This is accomplished by providing arch support for your feet.
Keep Walking Boots Dry
Remember that you must not wear a wet walking boot. If you’re recovering from an injury or surgery and wear a wet walking boot, you’re exposing yourself to potential bacteria and fungi infections. This is because when the inside of a walking boot is wet, it can become molded and mildewed.
In addition, a wet walking boot can also slow you down and make your foot heavier to move. This will often make it more likely for you to become injured.
Besides avoiding using a walking boot in the rain or walking into puddles, you should also take care when putting it on. If you must be in your walking boot during a shower, keep it dry. This may be accomplished by putting a waterproof plastic bag around the boot. This could also come in useful if you’re out for a rainy stroll. When you’ve left the shower, dry off your foot properly. This will ensure you don’t put any water into your boot.
You should also try to wear thick socks with your walking boots. Thick socks will capture sweat and ensure it doesn’t create a wet environment inside your boot.
Ensure Your Shoe Balances With Your Walking Boot
If the shoe on your uninjured foot isn’t properly balanced, you could feel pain when walking. This is because you will constantly put more weight on the foot in the walking boot.
Luckily to fix this problem, you can use a shoe balance. With a show balance, you can add the appropriate level of height to your shoe to match your boot. Doing this will balance the weight on both feet and ensure you don’t hurt your injured foot or ankle.
Shorten Your Stride
Since walking boots have a ‘rocker’ bottom, they can be harder to walk with, especially long distances. That means that to walk comfortably while wearing one, you need to shorten your stride. Shortening your stride and stepping a shorter distance with each foot will prevent your foot from hurting or straining in your walking boot. Be careful when going downhill. You might sustain a serious injury if you go down fast and hard.
Keep Your Feet And Your Knees Straight
You should not attempt to walk flat-footed when in a boot. This will make your ailment worse, and you might be put in a cast. Try to walk straight from the knee and with a short stride. This will make it easier for you to walk in your boot and help you avoid further injury. Since the weight and shape of a walking boot will make you want to turn your foot outwards as you walk, you need to stop this. If you don’t, you could hurt your foot and leg and strain other muscles by walking the wrong way.
The easiest way to ensure you continue walking normally with a boot is to ensure your feet and knees stay straight ahead.
More Rest And Less Walking
Even though you are allowed to walk with a walking boot, it’s usually best to still try to get as much rest as you can. This means that you shouldn’t tire yourself out walking too much. Walking excessively will put strain on your healing foot or ankle and could lead to further injury.
Get the Exact Fitting of a Walking Boot
If you need a walking boot, you’ll want to buy one that fits as comfortably as possible. Choose a boot that is the right size. This can be difficult because being fit for a boot means that the shoe is snug and fits well around your ankle and heel. That’s why it’s important to have help from someone experienced in this area, like a podiatrist or orthotic specialist.
A boot that is too small for your feet or is excessively tight would, of course, create blisters and hot areas. Feet are certain to swell when walking. If the boots are too small, the feet will be unable to move freely. blood is not circulating. Your feet may get infected further as a result of the process’s damage. Plus, you would risk further damage if you continue to wear the boots.
Because the ball of the boot corresponds with your toes rather than the ball of your foot, a larger boot, for example, can be hazardous. The ball of your foot is the projecting portion of your foot just under your big toe. The ball of the boot is the broadest portion of the boot, located at the front. Your feet will continue to slide within the shoe as you walk. Additionally, the tension on foot, caused by its mismatch with the boot’s length, will result in toe, foot, and heel discomfort. You can also choose a boot that can be tightened or loosened easily.
Be careful not to put the boot on too tightly. You risk causing further harm by forcing your foot into a posture it cannot stay in for an extended amount of time. As a result, tight boots not only provide enough space for your feet but also reduce boot discomfort. Consultation with your physician throughout the boot purchasing process is the greatest way to ensure you receive the most suitable boot.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
- Check your feet and toes often. Check your feet and toes for redness and swelling. If your toes are red, swollen, numb, or tingly, loosen your straps or deflate the air chamber. Over time, the swelling from the injury or surgery will decrease. When this happens, you may need to tighten the straps.
- Ask about removing the boot to bathe or for motion exercises. You may need to leave the boot on when you bathe. When bathing, you may want to leave the boot on. Wrap it in a plastic bag and secure it around your leg with tape. If you are not walking, your circulation may be restricted. Avoid sitting without moving for too long.
- Be careful when you walk on wet surfaces. The boot may be slippery.
- Follow the instructions to wash the liner. Remove the liner and wash it by hand in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not use a washing machine or dryer. Place the liner flat to dry. Wash the plastic parts with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces until your surgeon approves this action. Using sandals with low backs is also discouraged. Use a cane for support if you need help balancing while walking. Your ankle and foot should be strong enough to hold your weight by the time you start using a cane. The use of a cane prevents falling and other complications that lead to additional surgeries and longer recovery periods.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe or increasing pain.
- You are experiencing pain or discomfort that does not subside when the air chamber is deflated.
- You’re unable to get the boot to fit properly.
- The skin under the boot is burning or stinging, or you have a warm or painful spot under the boot.
- There is a lot of swelling near the boot. (Some swelling is normal.)
- You have numbness or tingling in the foot or toes that doesn’t go away when you adjust the tightness of the boot.
- You have a fever.
- There is drainage and a bad smell coming from the boot.
- Your leg turns cold or changes color.
- You have trouble moving your toes.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis). These may include:
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
Top 5 Best Cam Walker Boots In 2022 Reviews
Here the category for men and another women, which will make your work even more accessible:
- Braceability Short Ankle Walker Boot – Ideal for Short People with Wide Calves.
- Cam Walker Fracture Boot by United Ortho – Affordably priced and comfy.
- Mars Wellness Walker Boot – Supportive Boot with Plenty of Padding!
Good Walking Boots for Men after a broken Ankle:
- Aircast Short Pneumatic Walking Boot – Excellent for Injuries to the Big Toe
- Aircast Airselect Walker Boot – The Optimal Cast For A Double Ankle Fracture!
- Short Air Cam Walker Boot by United Ortho – Excellent for Maintaining a Stable Foot Position
Consider These Factors When Purchasing the Best Walking Boot for Men and Women
Size
Choose a boot that is your size or somewhat bigger if you have swelling in your leg or foot or are wearing casts. follow your doctor’s advice. He or she will guide you and help you learn the type of walking boot your size and you may get assistance from customer support to determine the best fit. Even if you do not have swelling, you may need a size bigger to allow mobility and avoid pressure on the injury.
Type of Injury
Depending on the type of injury, we choose the right boots,for toe and foot injuries, the ideal boot has an open toe region. The airflow it offers alleviates pressure on the afflicted region and avoids moisture re-infection.
Material
A boot made of several different materials, including leather and suede, will be the most comfortable to wear. Smooth polished leather soft and light shiny is the best material for those with skin sensitivities.
Arches
Those with high arches or those who want to use the boots to support their arch should choose a boot with high arch support. It will provide comfort and immobilize your foot. People with flat feet and big toes. It also offers comfort to those who have flat feet by offering more room for the foot to spread out naturally.
Adjustability
Choose a boot that can be tightened or loosened easily in case your foot swells.If you have broken your ankle.Adjustability in the ankle area is important in case you have swelling. For both men and women, an ankle cuff can be used if you need more room in the boot. The ankle cuff is ideal for people who use their boots for hiking and other activities, especially if the boot does not fit properly. Follow your doctor’s instructions about adjusting the fit of the boot.
Height
If your feet are swollen, you will need taller boots to help control the swelling and edema. Short boots, on the other hand, are a better option if your damage is to the toes or Achilles and does not impact the leg.
Time of the healing process: When a new injury occurs, a boot that fully immobilizes the foot may be required. Consider, however, a walking boot that allows for more mobility at the conclusion of the healing period.
Can You Work With A Walking Boot After Your Broken Ankle?
The answer is yes! There are plenty of jobs that are easier for people with walking boots on.There are many types of shoes to choose from to suit you, the most common walking boot type is known as a “stirrup” walking boot. It features an elastic band around the leg just below the knee that goes around the leg.
When you wear a “stirrup” walking boot you can still work or take care of important things like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and working in the garden. There are other types of walking boots, but they tend to be more difficult to put on or take off for daily activities.
They suggest a rolling knee scooter for long-distance travel. They suggest using a walker for shorter trips inside the home. They also suggest that the walking boot and the opposing foot be balanced equally. Depending on the severity of the injury, always consult with your podiatrist before placing weight on your foot.
Side Effects Of Wearing A Walking Boot After A Broken Ankle
Wearing a walking boot is often done to prevent further injury or to relieve pressure on an injured foot. Wearing a walking boot does not help the healing of your injury but aids in the treatment process, besides can have some side effects!
When you wear a walking boot, it will redistribute your weight and often add pressure to parts of the foot. A high arch or immobile joint could start feeling pain or discomfort when wearing this device.
Additionally, the device could potentially cause blisters, skin irritation, itchy or even frostbite. Wearing a walking boot for an extended period of time can also cause muscle atrophy. If your injury causes you to be non-weight bearing for a prolonged period of time, it is important to perform exercises while your foot is in a walking boot. This will assist in preventing atrophy while wearing the device.
FAQs
With A Walking Boot, Do You Need Crutches?
Using a crutch or cane might not be convenient, but using one of these aids with a walking boot is often safer. Using a crutch or cane, you might not have to wear a more high-heeled shoe on your non-affected foot.
A crutch or cane can also help keep the added weight pressure off the foot when using a walking boot. There are countless crutches and canes available; you just need to choose one that suits your injury. It should also be sturdy and safe enough to keep your foot from becoming more injured.
When it comes to using crutches or a walking boot, both can be helpful at first. But they can also hinder your healing and development of proper walking skills. Besides Walking with the aid of a crutch or boot helps you avoid putting weight on your injured foot. However, if you rely on this type of aid for too long, your body will never learn to walk normally again. When walking on crutches or a walking boot, your stride may be uneven. This, in turn, will throw off your balance and make it harder to walk. Using crutches or a walking boot can become more painful over time. This is true if you don’t use them correctly and support your injured ankle with them incorrectly. Here’s why you should consult a doctor and pay attention to what your Doctor says.
How Far Can I Walk In A Walking Boot?
Depending on the type of injury, your Doctor can advise you. Walking boots are not a health concern in and of themselves, with the exception of ankle-supporting boots, which have been associated with an increased risk for clots. As always, when in doubt or there are unusual symptoms, it’s best to contact your doctor if you’re concerned about any unusual symptoms after wearing these shoes.
Is A Walking Boot Necessary?
If you have a fractured ankle, then the answer is yes. Walking boots not only protect your injuries but also help you recover quickly and in a short amount of time. If you have a sprain that has not hurt your ligaments, then it’s still necessary to wear one, but no longer necessary if it doesn’t hurt when you walk.
Should I Wear My Cast Boot At Night?
Yes, If you don’t wear it at night, then there’s a good chance that you will not be able to walk well the following day, the walking boot is your brace for walking, and it needs to be worn as much as possible to give you maximum support.
Is It Possible To Walk With A Boot On A Broken Foot?
Yes, but not very far. Depending on the severity of your injury, when you put on a walking boot, your foot will swell up, and you won’t be able to walk more than about 100 steps. You may limp for a few days, but it won’t be painful. Your Doctor will advise you on how many steps you can do on one leg, two legs, or three legs.
How To Take Care Of The Skin While Wearing A Walking Boot?
If your boot is not to be removed, try blowing cool air from a hair dryer or fan into the boot to help relieve itching. Never stick items under your boot to scratch the skin.
Do not use oils or lotions near your boot. If the skin gets red or sore around the edge of the boot, you may pad the edges with a soft material, such as moleskin. Or you can use tape to cover the edges.
If you’re allowed to take your boot off, be sure your skin is dry before you put the boot back on. Be careful not to put the boot on too tightly.
Check the skin under the boot every day. If you are not supposed to remove the boot, check the skin around the edges. Tell your doctor if you see redness or sores.
How Much Does A Walking Boot Weigh?
Depending on the material of the walking boot, most walking boots are about 8-12 pounds. However, there are different styles that are lighter, some that are heavier. The average range is 8-12 pounds.