Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Tips For Wearing A Walking Boot [Podiatrist Recommendations]
Do you have a broken ankle, broken foot, sprained ankle, or foot surgery? We go over the BEST tips for wearing a walking boot.
Look!
- If you have a broken ankle, a broken foot, or foot surgery, you need a walking boot.
- These are our favorite tips for wearing a walking boot in video form.
- We also share our favorite walking boot accessories below.
Here are the BEST tips for wearing a walking boot!
Table of Contents
Best Tips for Wearing a Walking Boot Video:
Best Tips for Wearing a Walking Video Description:
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- We go over the absolute best ankle boot medical tips and best walking boot cast tips!
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Reasons to wear a walking boot?
What are the most common reasons to wear a walking boot?
As podiatrists, we may frequently dispense a walking boot as a great option for getting people back on their feet!
The most common reasons to wear a walking boot are:
- For foot surgery.
- Ankle surgery
- A severe ankle sprain.
- Severe foot sprain.
- Lisfranc sprain.
- Metatarsal stress fracture.
- Significant not improving soft tissue injury such as chronic plantar fasciitis.
Best Tips for Wearing a Walking Boot:
These are our favorite tips for wearing a walking boot:
- A tall boot is usually the best walking boot between a short walking boot and a tall walking boot.
- We always recommend using a walking boot level device on your other foot, as in the picture below. This will help you back in the foot.
- If you are walking outside, weather walking cover for your walking boot can be beneficial.
- If you have a cast, then a cast protective shower bag can be beneficial.
- A sleeping pillow can be beneficial as a walking boot tip for sleeping.
- You generally can remove your walking boot when on the couch or sleeping in bed.
Follow your podiatrist instructions:
- Always follow what your podiatrist or doctor tells you to do.
- These tips are meant to be general in nature. Every foot and ankle injury is unique.
- So do not disregard your doctor’s advice excavation point.
Get equal:
- At walking, boot or Air cast is very tall. He will suddenly feel this on your opposite leg as it would be too short. This can hurt your back, knee, or hip.
- A foot leveler is very effective. Basically, like the sandal that he put on your opposite foot to balance, you are Air cast walking boot.
- This seems like it may be unnecessary initially, but it is essential if you are going to be non-weight bearing or wearing a walking boot for more than a week or 2.
Get a rolling scooter:
- If you plan on using your walking boot or Air cast for more than a few weeks, it may be worth getting a rolling knee scooter. These can be amazingly effective, especially for long-distance.
- A rolling knee scooter may not necessarily be useful inside the house, but if you plan to go to the grocery store, work, or school, this may be extremely necessary.
Take shorter steps:
- A walking boot or an air cast has what is called a rocker bottom.
- This means that it can roll across the foot rather than landing on it.
- Taking shorter steps will also make your back, hips, and knees feel a lot better.
Set up your nightstand:
- The toughest part with walking boos or your air cast is that you have to put them on at night if you had to go to the bathroom.
- We recommend you get your toothbrush, your deodorant, or whatever other things you need.
- Try to plan out your day, week, or month to do as little walking as possible.
Get family to help you:
- Using the walking boot or air cast for a long period of time may be more difficult than anything.
- Your legs will get sore, your knees will get sore, and your back will get sore.
- It would be best if you thought of it as a marathon, not a sprint.
- Plan out your days so that you must do as little walking or motion as possible.
Get a good NETFLIX or DISNEY+ subscription:
- If you have a broken foot, broken ankle, or just had foot surgery, you will need to take a break.
- Plan on taking it easy rather than finding a way to do all the things you used to do.
Best Walking Boot Supplies:
These are our favorite supplies and accessories for using a walking boot.
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Best Short Boot
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
$76.39
$46.95
$39.95
$12.99
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Price:
$76.39
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Short Boot
Price:
$46.95
Overview:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Pros:
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
Cons:
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Crucial Tips:
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Price:
$39.95
Overview:
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Pros:
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
Cons:
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
Crucial Tips:
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
$12.99
Overview:
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Scooter Supplies:
These are the best scooter supplies to assist with you staying non-weight bearing.
A knee scooter can be very helpful to stay non-weight bearing for your walking boot.
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
$101.99
$253.99
Price not available
$29.99
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
It is more costly than the economy version.
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Price:
$101.99
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Price:
$253.99
Overview:
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Pros:
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
Cons:
It is more costly than the economy version.
Crucial Tips:
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Pros:
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Cons:
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Crucial Tips:
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
$29.99
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Frequently asked walking boot or air cast questions:
Can you work with a walking boot?
- Generally, your work will need a letter from your podiatrist if you plan on working with a walking boot.
- If you have a sit-down job, it is possible to work with a walking boot.
- If you have a standing job or a very physical job, it does not make much sense to try to work with a walking boot.
- It would make more sense to take some time off and heal as fast as possible so that you can get back to your job.
- If you need to visit a podiatrist for this type of help and live in Michigan, see us!
How tight should the air cast boot be?
- An air cast walking boot does not need to be very tight.
- As you walk, it will loosen up.
- The goal is to keep weight off it. More air means slightly more weight off the foot.
- If you feel like it is not getting tight enough, you may need to put less pressure on your foot and walk less.
How to shower with a non-weight-bearing leg?
- We link our favorite shower bags that can be used to shower with a non-weight-bearing bent leg.
- If you have a shower chair, it might just make sense to take off your walking boot.
- If he had a non-removable cast or a walking cast, it makes sense to wear a shower bag.
The best way to survive non-weight bearing?
- The best way to survive non-weight-bearing is to keep your expectations at a lower level.
- The biggest probably see with people is that they try to live their normal lives while being cast or walking.
- In many cases, not possible, and people wear themselves out and get less healthy as time goes on.
- Take some time off, and resting can be just what the doctor ordered.
Do you need crutches with a walking boot?
- Crutches are not always needed with a walking boot. We personally prefer a rolling knee scooter or a walker.
- Crutches are exceedingly difficult for all but the most athletic patients to use.
- For older patients, a walker can be very effective.
Weight-bearing after ankle surgery?
- Depending on the ankle, surgery may be able to put weight on your ankle almost immediately in your walking boot.
- If there are plate screws or bone work done through the ankle surgery, you may need to be weight-bearing for up to 6-8 weeks or more.
- We are always huge fans taking more time than you think you might need to heal a broken foot or a broken ankle.
How to walk in a walking boot without crutches?
There are 3 major tips for how to walk with a walking boot without crutches.
- One is to take shorter steps. Taking shorter steps will greatly reduce the pain in your foot, knee, and hip.
- The second is to wear a foot leveling device on your opposite foot. A foot leveling device will let you stand and balance more normally.
- The third is to use a walker or a rolling knee scooter device.
Other Tips:
- Ensure to check with your podiatrist or foot doctor to make sure that you are allowed to walk.
- Check our recommended opposite foot slipper caught the level that would help balance your legs.
- Start taking shorter steps.
- It is also possible to use a knee scooter for longer distances, and this way can walk without needing crutches and a walking boot.
How to properly use a walking boot?
- The best way to properly use a walking boot is to set reasonable expectations.
- We recommend wearing an equal shoe on the opposite side or getting a medical shoe lift.
- We also recommend using a walker or a rolling knee scooter.
- We also recommend seeing your podiatrist and getting a prescription to take time off work.
- This can greatly set reasonable expectations and let you heal as quickly as possible so that he can get back to work.
How to wear a medical boot:
- If you go to the video at the beginning of this post.
- We show in great detail how to use the walking boot and how to set the pressure.
How to use a walking boot?
- Once more, we will refer you to the walking boot video at the beginning of this post.
- We show in great detail how to use a walking boot.
Can a walking boot get wet?
- If a walking boot gets wet, it will eventually destroy the walking boot.
- Likely there are very low-cost walking boot covers that can protect it from getting wet.
- These are also known as shower bags and can effectively reduce any damage to your walking boot.
Can you walk on a walking boot?
- The answer is yes. You can walk on a walking boot if your podiatrist allows it.
- If going long distances, we do recommend a rolling knee scooter.
- If going shorter distances inside the house, we recommend utilizing a walker.
- We also recommend an equal balance between the walking boot and the opposite foot.
- Always check with your podiatrist before putting weight o your foot depending on the injury.
When to wear a walking boot?
- The good news is you do not have to wear your walking while you are sleeping or resting.
- You might not even have to wear your walking boot while in the shower (although you should check with your podiatrist.)
- The goal of the boot is to keep your foot stable while standing or putting weight on it.
How much walking can I do in a walking boot?
- Patients frequently ask us the question, “how much walking can I do in a walking boot?”
- The answer is this depends on your specific situation.
- But the goal of the walking boot is to protect you while you do as little walking as possible.
- The goal is not to let you walk as much as possible. This will, unfortunately, contribute to causing more pain and slower healing.
- So do your best to walk as little as possible
Can I take off my walking boot?
- The answer in most cases is yes.
- If you are resting or sleeping, you might not need your walking boot in most cases.
- Always check with your podiatrist first if a very severe fracture or injury may require you to be needed while resting.
How to wear a walking boot with pants?
- The good news is you can put your pants on before you put on your walking boot.
- Putting your pants on over a walking boot can be impossible in some cases.
- In almost all cases, the good news is you can take pressure off your injured foot, take off your boot, and put on your pants.
How is a walking boot supposed to fit?
- In most cases, your podiatrist or the medical supply store will fit you for the boot ahead of time.
- This will ensure proper sizing.
- The toes should not stick out the front of the walking boot.
- The knee should also not be rubbing against the height of the boot.
- Please watch the video at the beginning of the supposed to see how a walking boot is supposed to fit.
How to put a walking boot on?
- If you want to know how to put a walking boot on, and please watch the walking boot treatment video at the beginning of this post.
Can I take my walking boot off to drive?
- In most cases, from a medical standpoint, you can take your walking boot off to drive.
- Legally that is a different story.
- Always check with the legal advice in your area to make sure that this is not an issue.
- Personally, it is illegal to drive in our region while wearing a walking boot, so be aware of the laws in your local region.
Can I work with a walking boot?
- If you have a low demand for a walking job, then a podiatrist can usually prescribe to return to work with your walking boot.
- This is usually up to your employer in the human resources department.
Do you need crutches with a walking boot?
- We frequently hear the question, “do you need crutches with a walking boot?”
- The answer is in most cases. We do not recommend using crutches.
- That does not mean you do not need anything to assist you in walking.
- We recommend using a walker or a good knee scooter like the ones recommended above in our video guide.
How to put on a walking boot:
- In the video above, we show you exactly how to put on a walking boot and put on an Aircast properly.
- Always check with your medical supply store or your podiatrist if there are any sizing issues.
How to walk in a walking boot without crutches?
- In the video above, we show you how to walk in a walking boot without crutches.
- We also recommend using a walker inside the house as this is easier to maneuver with.
- We prefer using a scooter with your walking boot to make it more comfortable for longer distances.
Should you wear a foot fracture boot while sleeping?
- In most cases, you do not have to wear a foot fracture boot for sleeping.
- Always check with your podiatrist, but the fracture boot is meant only to be worn while putting weight on your foot.
- It is possible to take the boot off while resting on the couch or in bed.
What if I have walking boot discomfort or pain?
What to do if I have a walking boot discomfort?
- If you have walking boot discomfort, we strongly recommend watching the video above to properly size your boot and make sure it is not uncomfortable.
- Always check with your podiatrist to make sure your foot is strong enough to even be in a walking boot.
- If the foot is immediately broken or sore, it might be better off without a walking boot and just keeping weight off of it completely.
- If the swelling is high, and may benefit from an Unna compression wrap or a compression stocking.
- It sometimes may be necessary to have proper pain control the ability to sleep well at night.
Does the walking boot hurt my foot?
- We frequently hear: “the walking boot hurts my foot.”
- If this happens to you, check with your podiatrist because this may be a low-quality walking boot.
- The walking boot may also not be fitted properly.
- Check some of our recommended walking boots to see if they fit better.
- Alternatively, it may be that your foot is just too sore to put any weight on it.
- With more time, this usually does get better.
What to do if your Aircast boot is uncomfortable?
- If your Aircast boot is uncomfortable, I recommend watching the video above to show how to fit it properly and make it comfortable.
- The second-best solution is to work with your podiatrist to make sure you have a properly fit Aircast walking boot.
- The third thing you should do is make sure you will not injure yourself walking in the first place.
- Immediately after an injury, it is prevalent to be much too sore from being able to put any weight on it at all.
It might even be too sore to put on boot on a boot in the first place.
Best Shoes for Walking Boot Questions:
Do you need to know if you should wear a shoe with an aircast or the best shoe for a walking boot? We have the best shoes right HERE!
What shoes should I wear with a walking boot?
- The best shoe to wear with a walking boot can be found in our podiatrist recommended shoes.
- The trick is to wear a shoe leveling device to make the shoe equal to the walking boot.
Best Shoe To Wear With a Walking Boot:
- Click this link to look at the best shoes to wear with a walking boot.
- We go over the best shoes to wear with a walking boot.
Do you wear a shoe with a walking boot?
- In most cases, people do wear a shoe with a walking boot.
- We recommend getting a medical foot lift like the ones described above in this article.
- This will help your knees, it will help your hips, and it will help your opposite leg to feel better.
- The goal is to get your feet and hips as equal as possible.
Best Shoes & Best Insoles