If you’ve recently suffered from an ankle sprain, you know just how frustrating it can be to hobble around in a walking boot. A walking boot is a type of supportive footwear often prescribed to people who have injured their ankle or foot.
While they may seem bulky and uncomfortable, they are an essential part of the healing process. This post will share tips for wearing a walking boot to help you get the most out of your walking boots.
Keep reading for more information.
Exceptional Tips for Wearing a Walking Boot
1. Do What the Doctor Says
Follow your physical therapist’s instructions to the latter. If he says that you need more rest and less exercise, take it upon yourself as an obligation. Don’t ignore any signs of pain – even if they are slight or imperceptible at first glance.
To reduce the risk of swelling, try to sit down and relax after a walk. If your feet start hurting or getting swollen immediately afterward, elevate them for some minutes before treating them with ice cubes. Consider seeing a doctor if this does not help.
2. Take Caution When Wearing the Walking Boot
You should always take care when wearing your walking boots and ensure that the injured area is secure as you put them on. Avoid further injuries by finishing with an already open wound, which will prevent stress to this tender spot during activities such as running or jumping around.
The best way to remove your walking boots is by loosening the straps and buckle whenever you are taking them off. Ensure there’s enough room for your foot so they don’t feel cramped or tight while being removed from their respective boots.
3. Do not Walk With a Wet Walking Boot.
Wearing a walking boot to help with recovery from an infection can worsen by adding more bacteria and fungi onto your feet if the walking boot is wet. The extra weight will reduce the speed at which you heal.
When it’s time to take your shower, make sure that you don’t get any of the walking boots wet. To avoid this from happening altogether, just wrap a plastic bag around them, and they’ll stay dry. You may also want to use this technique when going out into wet weather and need protection from getting surprised by rain or something else.
Wearing thick socks while walking will not only keep your shoes dry but also prevent sweaty feet from making the booties smell.
4. Always Walk Upright from the Knee
Try to avoid bending your knee when you walk as this may cause a strain on the foot. To reduce any pain, roll up your feet so that they are not putting pressure onto one spot for too long and causing discomfort.
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5. Don’t Stress the Affected Leg While Walking
Walk with a light load on the affected leg to reduce weight and boost recovery time.
6. Make Use of a Shoe Balancer
Having an unevenly spaced pair of shoes can really affect your walk. The shoe insert will even out the weight on each foot, making it easier for you to take large strides without feeling any pain or discomfort.
Keep these tips for wearing a walking boot close to your body when in use; it’s important that you don’t wear them too high up on the leg so as not to strain or turn an ankle.
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7. Use a Sock Liner
A sock liner in your walking boots is like an extra cushion for your feet. They can be used to reduce the impact of contact between the walking boot and skin, providing relief from pain or discomfort while walking outside all day long.
The insoles that come with your boots are not designed for the high-profile of a pair, so you will need to get some extra ones. These specially made Superfeet provide support and structure while also helping absorb shock when walking on uneven terrain or concrete sidewalks; they’re perfect.
Superfeet and Sock liners are a must for those who walk long distances in walking boots. The insoles of this footwear provide arch support to alleviate pain from hot spots, blisters, or other walking boot ailments.
8. Choose the Right Fit Walking Boot
When walking, your feet are going to swell. If the walking boots that you wear make them too tight or uncomfortable for a while after a long walk then they might get blisters and hot spots because there wasn’t enough space in those walking boots.
The pain caused by this can lead to more infections which are never fun at all. To choose the right fit walking boot, you should consult your doctor first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Wear Walking Boots All the Time?
Your doctor might have you wear a boot for 1 to 6 weeks. The length of time will depend on how severe the injury is and what type or size of shoe it fits best. You’ll learn how these are removable items that can be adjusted according to your needs to not only help with healing but also provide support when walking around after an accident has occurred.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used to Walking in a Walking Boot?
Healing can take up to six weeks, but you’ll be able to walk with the assistance of a walking boot as soon as possible. You may find that heel-walking helps when your foot still hurts quite severely.
Should You Wear Socks with a Walking Boot?
If you’re looking for a way to make your walker boot feel more comfortable, adding socks is one of the best ways. Socks will cushion against any skin irritation and protect sweaty walking boots that can lead to blisters or chafing when wearing them all day long.
With a few simple precautions, you can make wearing a walking boot much easier on yourself.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your recovery goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
Remember to always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan, and stay vigilant about taking care of your injury. We hope that our advice has been helpful and wish you all the best on your road to recovery.