A walking boot is a device that helps support and protect the foot and ankle when it is injured or weak. Many people are hesitant to wear one, thinking it will make them look injured.
But what if I told you that there are many reasons to wear a walking boot – even if you don’t have a broken ankle? Believe it or not, a walking boot can make you look and feel better.
This post will discuss some of the most common reasons people wear walking boots. Read on to learn more.
The Primary Reasons to Wear a Walking Boot
Wearing a walking boot is like wearing an extra set of compression clothing for your feet. The specially designed boot will help protect the injured area and keep weight off while it heals. Most patients use these instruments between 2-5 times per day, depending on what they’re doing.
There’s nothing like a good pair of walking boots when you need ankle support to keep your feet safe. Wearing walking boots can sometimes be a necessity, especially if you are going on a mountain walk where there are rocks, and the terrain is rough. The support they provide will help avoid twisted ankles and sprains or strains to ensure that the lace goes up properly, so nothing breaks.
You know you’re wearing the right shoes when they make your feet feel safe and protected. When it comes to walking boots, they have robust footwear with an aggressive tread, which is able to prevent pain from sharp stones on your walks and reduce slipping when walking through wet grass or mud during inclement weather conditions like rainstorms. Walking boots serve their purpose by providing extra cushioning around what would otherwise be fragile.
Other Things You Need to Know About Wearing a Walking Boot
- Check your feet often. If you notice any swelling or redness, loosen the straps to let some air out of them so they will go away on their own in time.
- You might want to take your walking boots off before you go walking around in the rain. The surface is most likely going to be wet, and if not, then they will become slippery when stepping onto them for any length of time.
- Always wash your walking boot liner by following all the instructions.
Also read: Cheaper version of muck boots
How to Wear a Walking Boot
Follow the following great tips on how to wear a walking boot correctly:
- Sit down and make sure that your heel is all the way to the back of your walking boot.
- Take a soft liner and wrap it on your leg and foot
- Fit the front piece over your liner to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.
- The fastening of the straps should start near your toes and work its way up to higher positions on either side. Now move your leg up.
- Make sure the straps are not too tight but are snug. You want this boot to limit movement, yet let blood flow freely through your leg pores without cutting off any circulation or feeling uncomfortable at all.
- It is important that you maintain the proper air pressure in your boots. If they do not have enough room, pump them up as directed by the healthcare provider and make sure it’s always at least slightly above what’s required for optimal safety.
- Stand up and take a few steps to strengthen your ankles. This will help you feel more confident when walking around the house or going out.
- When you’re done with the walking boot, it’s important to deflate all of its air chambers. This will help maintain pressure on your foot and protect against any further injury while also preventing discomfort from continuing throughout recovery time.
Also read: Most comfortable work boots for ball of foot pain
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ankle Injuries Require a Walking Boot?
Ankle sprains are a common injury for many people. The ankle can be injured when you step wrong or fall on the ground, which could cause pain in your leg and foot as well any other injuries such as fractures that may occur at this time too. Wearing a walking boot is the best way to manage pain and mobility after an ankle sprain. If you have been diagnosed with grade II ligament tears, then high-quality footwear may be needed for your recovery process.
How Long Does It Take To Wean Out of a Walking Boot?
When patients are ready to wean themselves from their walking boots, it can take anywhere between two weeks and six weeks for them. Some people may be allowed a quick transition straight into sneakers while others need more time on the road to recovery before being able to do that again.
How Far Can I Walk in a Walking Boot?
The walking boot is allowing people to walk as much and for how long they want, but there are limitations on what types of injuries can be treated this way. If you have something worse than an injury that needs full weight-bearing right away or if your problem isn’t related strictly to movement at all, then contact a doctor before trying out walking boots.
What to Expect after Walking Boot Comes Off?
The relief you will experience when your foot finally comes off the walking boot is indescribable. You may have been in pain for weeks, but there won’t be any more signs that say “I need assistance” once it’s out. The swelling should also begin to go down within minutes, and by morning time, all stiffness should disappear.
Walking boots are often prescribed after an ankle sprain to provide stability and limit movement. The primary reasons for wearing a walking boot are to protect the ankle ligaments from further damage and allow them time to heal.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend you wear a walking boot full-time even if you don’t have an ankle sprain. Make sure to follow the instructions on how to wear your boots for maximum benefit. And if you have any questions about when or how long to wear your boots, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or physical therapist.