How Does orthopedic walker boot Work?

At their most basic level, walking boots are special shoes that provide significant medical benefits. Whether you have sprained an ankle, broken a leg, torn a tendon, or are suffering from muscle imbalances, a walking boot can greatly assist you!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of orthopedic walker boot. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

What is the Purpose of a Walking Boot?

A walking boot protects the foot and ankle and is common when someone has broken their leg or foot, is struggling from shin splints or a severe sprain, or has suffered some other type of foot or leg injury. The goal of the walking boot is to add stability to your foot as you move. Depending on their size, the boot will extend over your ankle or up to your knee. You will secure it to your leg by fastening a series of three to five straps.

The purpose of the walking boot is to allow you to put weight on the injured foot safely. The walking boot holds the foot in place so that your injury can run its course, and you can continue to live life at a slower pace while you heal.

How Do You Put the Walking Boot On?

You want to be seated to put the boot on. Insert your heel as far back in the boot as you can go. Next, wrap the upper part of the boot around your foot and leg. Begin tightening at the toe level and take care not to over-tighten. You should examine your foot regularly; if you have overtightened the boot, you might find your toes are red or swollen. Give your foot time to breathe.

Do You Need Crutches with a Walking Boot?

The idea of the walking boot is to take excess weight off your injured foot so you can feel better. The legs are the ultimate shock absorbers and keeping weight off may require using some assistive device, even with a walking boot, but it doesn&#;t have to be crutches. Leaning on a walker, cane, or using a wheelchair for longer periods where you might be on your feet are practical options as well. Every case is different, so make sure you discuss options with your doctor and follow their advice to avoid reinjury.

Wearing a walking boot will initially feel awkward and usually involves an adjustment period. Be aware of surface conditions when walking with the boot. Some people find the boot slippery, and rainy or snowy surfaces could pose a hazard. Walking on grass or muddy areas may also slightly hinder your mobility.

We have the equipment you need at BEK Medical to stay healthy and productive. Our orthotic walking boots will help you on your healing journey while providing the most comfort possible.

Check out our online store to view our medical products or give us a call to find out what walking boots we have in stock!

This article is about the orthopedic device. For the outdoor activity footwear, see Hiking boot

A walking boot being used to aid weight bearing after an ankle fracture.

A controlled ankle motion walking boot, also referred to as a controlled ankle movement walking boot, below knee walking boot, CAM boot, CAM walker, or moon boot, is an orthopedic device prescribed for the treatment and stabilization of severe sprains,[1] fractures, and tendon or ligament tears in the ankle or foot. In situations where ankle motion but not weight is to be limited, it may be used in place of a cast.[2]

Description

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A walking boot consists of:

• An inner lining, usually fabric, with hook and loop fasteners which encloses and cushions the patient's foot and ankle
• A rigid frame to restrict motion in the lower leg
• A hard plastic shell that provides rigidity and protection to the leg
• Adjustable closure system that allows for proper fitting to various leg sizes

Variations

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A boot being worn in place of a cast to support a broken ankle. The air pump system can be seen on the side of the boot to inflate/deflate the boot which provides added support to the user

CAM walkers may range in height from mid-calf to nearly knee-length, depending on the condition they are meant to treat. Some contain inflatable compartments that can be adjusted by the patient for maximum support and comfort. For further protection of the injured ankle and leg, CAM walkers may also utilize a more extensive plastic shell that also encloses the back and sides of the walker, with detachable plastic plates for the front.[3]

Comparison to casting

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While CAM walkers do not provide the same degree of immobility that an orthopedic cast offers, they have some advantages.[4] Unlike casts, they are adjustable and reusable, and fully removable, permitting the patient to bathe the foot and ankle and remove the walker at night, if they so desire;[5] and a CAM walker requires no special modifications for the patient to bear weight and walk. With some fractures, however, removal may result in worse outcomes and thus this may be a negative; also, with some fractures, the person should be non-weight bearing. Additionally, there is greater cost.

For more severe fractures, a traditional cast may still be preferable.

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Further reading

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Are you interested in learning more about ankle sprain boot? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!