A Comprehensive Guide for the Selection of Best Walking Boot

Suffering from an injury or sustained pain of the foot or ankle often proves to be rather daunting. Not only does it result in constant discomfort but also hinders the normal day-to-day activities!

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The best solution to this? Rest your foot as much as you can!

But, is it really possible?

The short answer is no!

Regardless of how well-taken care of one is, it may not always be possible to rest the injured foot for the better part of the day, that too for multiple days at a stretch.

And this is precisely where walking boots come into the picture! Right from helping you to rest the foot to the maximum level possible to enable you to accomplish your day-to-day activities a walking boot, also known as a walker, can do it all!

So, what are walking boots?

What are the uses of walking boots?

How much does a walking boot cost?

Well, we are going to learn all that and more!

Walking Boots for Injured Foot and Ankle Sprains

Walking boots usually go by a number of names, including but not limited to medical boots, air cast boots, cast boot, and walker boot!

Some of the conditions for which your podiatrist might recommend the use of a walking boot may include &#; Ankle Sprain, Ankle Fractures, and Broken Foot (Plantar Fasciitis). These boots also come in handy to shorten the healing process after a surgery for broken ankle.

As you may have come to guess by now, the applications of walking boots are myriad, and so are their shapes, sizes, make, and models! For instance, depending on the condition you are suffering from your doctor may recommend you a specific type of walking boot a soft cast or a hard cast walker, air cast boot, short walking boot, tall walking boot, or an ankle cast!

While the extensive range of walking boots is ideal when it comes to finding the one that best suits your needs and preference, the same variety can prove to be daunting in case you do not know the ins and outs of each type of walking boot. Thankfully for you, we have consolidated all the information you may possibly require about each of the types available, complete with the features that require your due diligence before you take a pick.

Pro Tip &#; While this article will inform you all about a medical boot, you must understand that in most cases walker boot is simply a part of the treatment plan. Hence, it is best to see your doctor and ensure the holistic treatment and complete healing of your injured foot and ankle.

Types of Walking Boots

Let us take a quick look at some of the most commonly used walking boot types, and what each of them entails.

High-Top Walking Cast

Also known as Tall Walking Boot, this boot type is the most popular one. Wrapping around the patient&#;s leg, right from the middle of the calf to the toes, such cast is usually made of a hard, durable thick plastic layer on the outside, with superior cushioning inside for complete comfort. The boot can be easily strapped onto the leg, through the Velcro bands provided.

High-top walkers prove to be ideal for &#; Sprained Ankle and/or Calf Support

Low-Top Walking Cast

As the name suggests, these walkers are built to offer protection to the leg starting from the toes to the lower part of the calf, often just above the ankle. That apart, they are quite similar in build to high-top walking casts.

Low-top walkers such as the Ankle Walking Boot can prove to be ideal for enabling the healing of conditions of the ankle, heel, or lower leg in general.

Air Cast Boots

Air cast boots are a step forward from the conventional walkers, in the fact that they comprise a supportive air cushion that surrounds the leg to offer an additional level of support and comfort, that can be customized as per the user&#;s need. Not only does it offer added comfort, but such cushioning is known to ensure faster healing and enhanced mobility!

Yet another aspect that sets air boots aside is that they can be used to transition between the phase of plaster casts to no cast at all. These boots offer much-needed protection to the leg while allowing the user to build up strength and enjoy a greater level of mobility than they had with the plaster cast.

While air cast boots are amazing at providing maximum comfort and added support, they shouldn&#;t be used as the go-to treatment for major conditions such as injured ligaments or a stress fracture. Remember, they are an aide to the healing process, but not the standalone treatment.

Medical Boot Features to Consider

Now that we have learned about the various types of custom orthotics for foot pain, let us go ahead and understand some of the most prominent features that need your due diligence before making this significant purchase. After all, when you choose the right product, not only will it offer ample foot support, but will also ensure proper shock absorption.

Size of the Cast

When you set out to purchase the best boots, make sure to invest in the ones that are of the appropriate size. For this, you have to take into consideration the measurement of the bear foot plus the added bulk provided by the cast. Only when you&#;re sure of the same, should you go on and purchase the boot you like. This will make sure that your foot remains at ease, and there is no added burden on your knee that may be required to balance the ill-fitted boot.

Type of Straps

In the present day scenario, a vast majority of the premium, high-quality walking boots are equipped with Velcro straps, which enable custom fastening of the boots with ease. Yet another option for fastening is metal and/or plastic clasps which also provide a snug fit. The difference usually lies in the ease of use. While velcro straps are easy to fasten, clasps are usually smaller and may take some level of dexterity. Hence, take your pick accordingly.

Shock Absorption Prowess

In case of a severe foot injury or pain, it is in your best interest to opt for a walking boot that is designed using shock-absorption technology complete with contoured footbeds. This will ensure that your foot receives ample support and that there is little to no risk of an injury, especially on the off-chance when your leg suffers a jerk or bump. needless to mention, It will also help you heal faster.

Cast Liners

Cast liners can be defined as the removable insole that lines the footbed of the walking boot. In some cases, the interior of the entire boot is lined with full-grain leather or other such material to ensure that the boot is soft and comfortable to wear, and doesn&#;t irritate the skin of the wearer. Hence, make sure that you pick a boot with a cast liner that best suits your preferences.

Extra Supports

In some cases, walking boots are made available with added supports such as removable footbeds for extra support. Usually found in high-end walkers such as Air Cast Boots, these supports can prove to be helpful if you desired enhanced freedom of movement and better arch support.

We hope that you now know all about walking boots, and have the much-needed insights on the best boots to pick in case you are suffering from an injury and looking for added foot support.

So, wait no more before investing in high-quality slip-resistant walking boots with leather uppers and deep heel cups to ensure a pain-free, quick healing process!

Frequently Asked Questions About Boots for Foot Injury

Can a walking boot help with ankle pain?

While a walking boot may not directly help subside the pain, it can surely speed up the healing process. Moreover, the boots are designed such that it helps reduce the pain and discomfort caused to the foot or ankle when the user is going about their day-to-day activities.

Should the walking boot be tight?

Not necessarily. The idea is to ensure that the foot is snug, and not tight, as excessive tightness can irritate the skin by putting undue pressure.

Is it bad to walk on a cast?

When wearing a hard cast, it is highly recommended to rest your leg as much as possible, and not put too much weight on pressure on the cast, especially in the early days. If you do need to walk or move around, you must do so using a walking cast or use crutches for the same.

It is usually best to avoid applying too much weight to a hard cast&#;especially if it has been recently applied. However, using a walking cast to protect both your leg and the cast will allow you to be able to move around and apply weight. It is still usually recommended to use crutches while wearing a cast to allow the leg to heal properly, though.

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Medical Walking Boot Basics

A medical walking boot is a specialized type of footwear that is commonly used to support the foot and ankle during the healing process after an injury. Also known as walking casts, air casts, fracture boots or a CAM (Controlled Ankle Motion) boot; these medical boots are designed to immobilize (or restrict movement) of the calf, ankle, foot, or even all three areas.

The company is the world’s best support boot for foot injury supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Medical boots are used to treat a wide range of conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain, Ball of Foot Pain, Ankle Sprain, Metatarsal Stress Fracture, Toe Fracture, Foot Fracture, Ankle Fracture and Tendonitis.

Walking boots allow you to rest and protect your foot / ankle while still walking around and doing your day to day activities. Whether you have a sprained ankle or are recovering from surgery, a good medical walking boot can help to reduce pain and promote healing. However, with so many different types of medical walking boots on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we&#;ll provide some tips on how to select the best medical walking boot, with examples of products available from OrthoMed.

Tips For Selecting a Medical Walking Boot

Selecting the best medical walking boot for your needs requires careful consideration of your diagnosis, sizing, and lifestyle. By following these tips and exploring the range of walking boots available at OrthoMed , you can find the perfect medical walking boot to support your healing and recovery process.

Tip #1: Pick The Medical Walking Boot That Best Matches Your Diagnosis, Measurements, and Lifestyle

Consider the level of support you need: Soft, Semi-rigid, or Rigid Full Shell

Picking the corrrect medical walking boot isn't about style! The type of boot you require and the level of support you need from your medical walking boot will depend on the nature and severity of your injury. In general, softer more flexible boots with only 'half' or partial shells will be appropriate for less serious injuries. More rigid, 'full shell' designs are better for more severe injuries. For example, if you have a minor sprain or strain, you may only need a basic walking boot with a soft liner and minimal support, like the Ossur Formfit Walker Boot. On the other hand, if you have a more serious injury, such as a fracture (or grade III ankle sprain), you may need a boot with a more rigid shell, additional straps, fastenings and aircells (also called a pneumatic bladder) to keep your foot and ankle secure: such as the Aircast AirSelect Elite. Most brands (and models) are offered in both a short and tall version, you can read more in the section below on short vs. tall boots. 

Consider the fit and comfort

A good medical walking boot should fit snugly and comfortably to minimize movement and protect your foot and ankle. So don't just borrow your friends old medical boot! A boot that doesn't fit you properly may make your injury worse by allowing too much (or too little) movement, and not properly holding the foot and ankle in the corect position. Make sure you get a boot that is sized correctly for you: measure your foot and ankle and choose the appropriate size based on the manufacturer&#;s sizing chart (found in size chart tab in our product pages). Sizes are also available for children, you can view paediatric medical boots here. Look for boots with adjustable straps and fasteners so that you can customize the fit to your individual needs. Also, consider if you need other accessories, like a shoe balancer, that help balance your hips when you walk.

Consider the durability and quality

A medical walking boot is an investment in your recovery, so it&#;s important to choose a high-quality product that will last. Look for a medical walking boot with a sturdy, well-constructed shell and a durable liner that won&#;t wear out quickly. OrthoMed offers a range of walking boots made from high-quality materials, many feature lightweight (yet durable) plastic shells and soft, breathable liners that wick away moisture.

Consider the ease of use and convenience

Finally, consider how easy it will be to use and maintain your medical walking boot. Look for a boot with an easy-to-use closure system that won&#;t require assistance from others, with simple, one-handed inflation systems. Also, consider how easy it will be to clean and maintain your medical walking boot, especially if you&#;ll be wearing it for an extended period of time. OrthoMed offers a range of walking boots that are easy to use and maintain, with removable liners that can be washed and dried. We also have replacement liners and parts: you can view medical boot accessories here.

Tip #2: Short vs. Tall Medical Walking Boots

Another important consideration when selecting a medical walking boot is whether to choose a short or tall boot. Both types of boots have their advantages and are designed for different types of injuries.

Short walking boots, also known as low-top walking boots, provide support for the foot while allowing for greater mobility and flexibility in the ankle. They are ideal for foot injuries (trauma, fractures) where the focus is on stabilizing the joint and preventing further damage. Fracture locations that are suitable for a short boot would be fractures of the toes, and fracture of the bones (metatarsals) just before the toes (the distal 1/3rd of that bone). 

Tall walking boots, also known as high-top walking boots, provide more coverage and support for the lower leg and ankle, making them the ideal choice for more serious injuries, such as grade II and III ankle sprains, fractures, or post-surgical recovery. Tall boots have better 'leverage' on the leg and they are designed to restrict movement and keep the foot and ankle in a fixed position to promote healing and prevent further injury. 

Many clients incorrectly assume they need a 'short' walking boot for an ankle injury, when a tall boot is actually the more appropriate option. If you're having trouble deciding, contact our Healthcare team and we can help you narrow down your options.

Tip #3: When To Avoid Using a Medical Walking Boot

While medical walking boots can be a useful tool for supporting the foot and ankle during the healing process, there are situations where they may not be appropriate or effective.

For example, if you have a serious injury such as a broken bone or a torn ligament, a medical walking boot may not provide enough support and protection. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a cast or surgery to repair the damage.

Additionally, medical walking boots are not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions such as peripheral artery disease, which can cause poor circulation and skin ulcers, or neuropathy, which can lead to loss of sensation in the feet. In these cases, alternative forms of treatment may be necessary.

It's important to note that medical walking boots are designed for temporary use during the healing process and should not be used as a long-term solution for chronic conditions. If you experience chronic pain or discomfort in your foot or ankle, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.

Top Rated Medical Walking Boots - Our Picks

When it comes to selecting a medical walking boot, it can be helpful to know which products are considered top rated by healthcare professionals and patients. Here's our list of medical boots that have received high ratings for their quality, effectiveness, and comfort based on our experience helping clients. We've shown both the tall and short versions for each:

While these products have received high ratings, it's important to remember that individual needs may vary. It's always best to consult with your healthcare provider and consider the advice of a qualified professional to determine which type of medical walking boot is best for your specific needs. Contact us today for fast free advice and we can help you pick the best walking boot for your condition

More Tips for Medical Boots: working, showering, sleeping, and how to walk

• Working with a boot:

  If you need to wear a medical walking boot while working, make sure to take regular breaks to elevate your foot and reduce swelling. You may also need to modify your work tasks to avoid putting excess pressure on your foot and ankle.

• Showering:

  To shower while wearing a medical walking boot, consider using a

  To shower while wearing a medical walking boot, consider using a waterproof cover to protect the foam liner. Alternatively, you can remove the boot while showering and use a plastic chair or stool to sit on if needed. Just make sure to dry your foot thoroughly before putting the boot back on.

• Sleeping:

  Depending on your injury, you may need to wear the medical walking boot while sleeping. To make this more comfortable, consider using extra padding under your ankle or foot and using a pillow to elevate your leg. You can also loosen the strapping slightly to make it more comfortable.

• How to walk:

  When walking in a medical walking boot, make sure to place your heel down first and then roll your foot forward to your toes. Try to take slightly shorter steps (but avoid limping) or putting excess weight on your injured foot. A

  When walking in a medical walking boot, make sure to place your heel down first and then roll your foot forward to your toes. Try to take slightly shorter steps (but avoid limping) or putting excess weight on your injured foot. A shoe balancer (shoe lift) that you wear on the opposite foot is also helpful to make your walking stride more natural by balancing your hips. For more frequent walking or greater distance you can also use a device like a knee scooter or iWalk to help you get around.

Not sure which medical walking boot is right for you? Contact us today for fast free advice and we can help you pick the best medical boot

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