What is the purpose of a boot after ankle surgery?

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.

How long do you wear a boot after ankle surgery?

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.

Why would you need an ankle boot?

Doctors recommend you wear them as a way of speeding the healing process. 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.

Should I keep my walking boot on all day?

You SHOULD keep the boot on while you're laying around the house to prevent bumping the injury and to help the foot heal properly. Listening to your doctor and following the treatment plan will help to get you better and out of the boot faster!

Should I wear my ankle boot to bed?

If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash.

How to Wear

Can you walk in a walking boot without crutches?

The short answer is no: You don't need crutches with a walking boot. While you shouldn't generally put weight on a walking boot, other mobility aids can be used instead of crutches to prevent this from occurring. These include wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and others.

Can I sleep without my boot after ankle surgery?

Both a cast and a boot can provide adequate protection to the ankle. A cast cannot get wet or be removed without special tools. A boot can be removed for bathing and sleeping.

Should I wear a sock with a walking boot?

Adding a sock to the equation is a good idea for a few reasons: It will help reduce any friction between the brace and your skin, which can help prevent any chafing or blisters. Socks for walker boots can act as a buffer between your foot (and its sweat and dead skin cells) and the brace.

Can you get a blood clot from wearing a walking boot?

This is a common and usually normal occurrence after surgery or an injury. It is often due to altered walking, injury or from being in a boot or cast but it can also be due to a blood clot.

How tight should my walking boot be?

We suggest using one under the ankle strap as there is no padding there. Fasten the remaining straps until your foot feels snug but not tight. If you fasten the boot too tight you may cause pressure to your skin.

Is a walking boot better than a cast?

Less skin damage – skin underneath a cast can become raw and painful. The open-air design and lightweight material helps to prevent skin damage when wearing a walking boot. No loud saws used – walking boots can be removed without the use of loud saws. This is helpful for children who may be afraid of the saws.

Can I drive with a walking boot?

This device cannot be worn while driving, even if the boot is on the left (non-driving) foot. This is the law, folks! Also, this device cannot be worn in the shower because water can damage your equipment.

Should a walking boot hurt?

The study found that nearly 70% of patients experienced secondary pain (away from the original injury) after wearing the boot. 1 in 3 patients had continued secondary pain 3 months after the device was removed. The secondary pain from the CAM boot can range from a mere annoyance to a severe pain.

What to expect after walking boot comes off?

After weeks of wearing a cast, your foot is likely to feel a little strange when it comes off. Apart from looking a bit pale and wrinkled, your foot may also be swollen and a bit stiff. But once the cast is off, your foot will feel lighter and easier to manoeuvre.

Should I wear walking boot to bed?

Although you should follow your doctor's advice in any situation, the normal practice is to wear the boot while sleeping. However, loosening the straps that secure the boot will increase wearing comfort and allow you to sleep better.

What happens if you walk too soon after ankle surgery?

Putting any weight on an operated foot or ankle can damage the repair that's been done. Bones need time to heal. Plates or screws that may have been added during surgery need the bones to heal around them. Adding weight too soon can interrupt this important internal healing process.

How can I make my walking boot more comfortable?

If the soles of your new boots feel particularly stiff throughout the breaking in process, you can try gently flexing the sole with your hands. Take the heel and toe of the boot in each hand and slowly flex them upwards. This can help to soften the midsole, outsole and footbed. Don't overdo it though – be gentle.

Can you shower with a walking boot?

Whether with a plastic bag or a waterproof cast cover, you'll need to find a way to keep your boot dry as you shower. If your boot gets wet, it can delay healing, cause skin irritation, and require replacement.

What are the signs of a blood clot in the ankle?

swelling in your foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side. cramping pain in your affected leg that usually begins in your calf. severe, unexplained pain in your foot and ankle. an area of skin that feels warmer than the skin on the surrounding areas.

What do you wear under a boot?

Ankle Socks & No Show Socks

Definitely. Socks to wear with booties for a bare look are mid-calf, ankle or no show socks. This comfy and free feeling look will allow you to wear your beloved boots in more seasons. Now that you know what kind of socks to wear with booties, let's take a look at colors and materials.

Can I drive with a broken ankle in a boot?

After weeks of immobilization, strength in your foot and/or ankle will be diminished; you'll therefore want to wait until your walking has returned to normal before even attempting to drive.

How long should I keep my leg elevated after ankle surgery?

Cast Instructions

After application of a splint or cast, it is very important to elevate your leg for 24 to 72 hours. The injured area should be elevated well above the heart. Remember “Toes above your Nose”. Also, rest and elevation greatly reduce pain and speed the healing process by minimizing early swelling.

How soon after ankle surgery can I walk?

No walking on the foot is permitted until the wound is reviewed 2 weeks after surgery. At that time you will be allowed to walk in a walking boot. It will take about 3 months before the ankle starts to feel comfortable. Ankle swelling will generally persist for about 9-12 months.

Why does broken ankle hurt more at night?

This is what happens during the day. During the night, there is a drop in the stress hormone cortisol which has an anti-inflammatory response. There is less inflammation, less healing, so the damage to bone due to the above conditions accelerates in the night, with pain as the side-effect.