What is the difference between a walking boot and an Aircast?

Unlike traditional walking casts, Air Cast Boots surround the covered region of the leg in a supportive air cushion that can be easily adjusted to provide customizable comfort and support. This design has been shown to promote a faster healing time while also allowing for increased mobility.

What is the point of an Aircast boot?

The Aircast boot walker is used to provide support after severe ankle sprains, foot fractures and foot or ankle surgery. It's also used to manage oedema. One of the benefits of the Aircast boot walker is the control it gives you as the wearer.

Should I walk with an Aircast?

Aircast walking boots are comfortable – These walking braces are low profile, so you can walk with a normal gait. The same aircells that aid in healing also help cushion and support the foot and ankle area for the best, most natural fit.

How long should you wear an Aircast boot?

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.

When can you walk with an Aircast?

You may need crutches to walk in an Aircast. If you suffer an ankle sprain or injury, your doctor may give you an ankle Aircast to help protect your injured joint and keep your ankle stabilized. Aircast makes several different types of ankle braces, some of which are designed specifically for walking.

Can you wear a sock with an Aircast?

DO wear your sock and boot any time you are on your feet.

How tight should an Aircast 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.

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.

How much walking can i do in a walking boot?

Yes, but not very far. When you put on a walking boot, your foot will swell up, and you won't be able to walk more than about 100 steps. You may limp for a few days, but it won't be painful.

Can you drive with a walking boot on your right foot?

Despite the obvious safety hazards, there are currently no laws prohibiting driving with a cast on either of your feet. It is not encouraged by doctors, who say that you might prevent your bones from healing correctly, or even end up in an accident due to impaired reaction time.

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.

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 you drive with a walking boot on left foot?

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. Your boot may be worn in bed, but only if your provider directs you to do so.

Can wearing a walking boot cause pain?

A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons titled Associated Joint Pain With Controlled Ankle Movement Walker Boot Wear showed that many patients experienced pain in the knee, hip, and/or back from the added weight and limb length discrepancy from the CAM boot.

What does a walking boot do for a sprained ankle?

Your doctor might give you a cast, boot, or brace to wear. This will keep the ligaments and joint in place while they heal. It limits motion, provides protection, and helps reduce pain.

Can a walking boot make an injury worse?

In this study, 67% of patients treated with a CAM walker boot for at least 2 weeks reported new or worsened secondary site pain at the time of transition out of the boot.

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 do you walk up and down stairs with a walking boot?

Walk around your home and up and down your stairs until you feel confident walking in your boot. Use a cane or one crutch for added support and to ease any pain. For foot, ankle and lower leg injuries, your cane or crutch should be on the side of your body opposite to your injury.

What to expect when 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.

Can walking boot cause swelling?

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.

Does an Aircast help with swelling?

With severe sprains, immobilization with an air cast may be advised. The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and speed recovery. Many studies have shown that edema or swelling from inflammation can slow down healing.

Can I take my air boot off at night?

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. Regularly perform the exercises below to get your movement back.

How do you walk in a walking boot with a broken ankle?

Tips to Survive a Walking Boot

1. Doctors Orders. First and foremost ALWAYS follow your doctors order. ...
2. Get on the Level. Walking boots all have a very high surface. ...
3. Use a crutch or a cane. (We know this isn't what you wanted to hear). ...
4. Shorten Your Step. ...
5. Keep your feet and your knees straight. ...
6. Rest More and do less walking.

How do you get air out of an Aircast boot?

Press and hold finger on SMALL release button found on the top right-side of brace. Deflate until pressure is comfortable.