Overview

Orthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. 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.

For more information, please visit orthopedic walker boot.

Orthopedic boots are removable, and most of them can be adjusted. Your health professional will show you how to put on, remove, and adjust your boot. Ask your health professional to give you any instructions that may have come with your boot.

Most orthopedic 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. These boots are called controlled ankle movement (CAM) boots.

Adjust or remove the boot only when your doctor says it's okay. If your boot has CAM settings, do not change those settings.

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Walking Boot

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What is a walking boot?

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. A walking boot helps keep the foot stable so it can heal. It can keep your weight off an area, such as your toe, as it heals. Most boots have between 2 and 5 adjustable straps and go mid-way up your calf.

How do I put on the walking boot?

You may want to wear a large sock.

• Sit down and place your heel all the way to the back of the boot.
• Wrap the soft liner around your foot and leg.
• Place the front piece over the liner.
• Start to fasten the straps closest to your toes then move up your leg.
• Tighten the straps so they are snug but not too tight. The boot should limit movement but not cut off your blood flow.
• If your boot has one or more air chambers, pump them up as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Stand up and take a few steps to practice walking.
• Deflate the air chambers before removing the boot.

What else do I need to know?

• Check your foot and toes often. Check your foot 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.
• 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.
• Ask about removing the boot to bathe or for motion exercises. You may need to leave the boot on when you bathe. Cover it with a plastic bag and tape the bag closed around your leg.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have pain or discomfort that does not go away when you deflate the air chamber.
• You cannot seem to get the boot to fit correctly.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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