A walking boot is not an everyday shoe that everyone has knowledge of wearing. It can be tensing for the first time while you try to put it on the right and protect your foot from possible injury during wearing.
So, how to put on a walking boot? Luckily for you, a walking boot is designed for the injury; hence the wearing process is also intended to be protective. Let’s get onto the details;
A Walking Boot?
Essentially, a walking boot is a special medical type of shoe that is designed to facilitate foot and ankle injury and post-operative healing.
Unlike other shoes, a package consists of only one shoe. This is because, in most cases, people will only have a foot injury on one foot. When you subject your injured foot to a walking boot, you will have to buy another special pair of shoes to match. You will need higher shoes so that when walking, you will have a more stable gait.
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How to Put On a Walking Boot
Step 1: Put On the Liner
Luckily, walking boots have straps all the way from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can open all the straps so as just to place the foot into the boot.
Walking boots come with liners, which protect your foot and heel from abrasion. The liner is also essential as it prevents the straps from rubbing against the release valve and causing the boot to deflate.
So, take the liner out of the boot, and place your foot in the liner. Your heel should be well placed at the back of the liner for maximum protection and support.
If your boot has additional comfort pads, use them to your advantage if necessary. Fill possible gaps in the liner, get extra padding in pressure points and use them to enhance your comfort.
Then, close the liner snugly so that it is not too tight for your foot. It should also not be loose to discourage swelling and to facilitate healing. It would help if you secured the liner from the bottom for more effective results.
Step 2: Put On the Walking Boot
Now, place the foot that has a liner in the walking boot. Remember that you will not have to slide your foot due to the open straps, but only place it on the boot.
Then, push your heel gently until it gets to the heel end of the boot. The heel area is solid and rigid, unlike the front top area. The concrete and rigid nature facilitate stability and support when in the boot.
Step 3: Attach the Strap
Once your foot is fully set, attach the straps. Fasten each strap from top to bottom. This method will help match the bootstrap to the liner strap effectively. While fastening the strap, lookout for any signs of numbness or pain, and loosen the straps if there are any.
The toes should fit in the shoe without extending outwards. If they extend, check that your heel is placed at the end of the heel end of the boot. If it is, then you will have to order a larger size for proper fitting.
Step 4: Inflate the Walking Boot
A walking boot has compression that absorbs shock, relieves pain, and enhances comfort. The compression is a result of air bladders fitted on the boot.
Some boots have customizable compression, allowing you to deflate and inflate the boot at will. Some come with a compression knob that you just adjust; others will come with a compression pump.
So, if your boot has a compression adjustment knob, turn it right to inflate the boot. If you need to deflate the boot, you will turn the knob left.
Some bulbs come with a compression bulb, usually with a different color from the boot for inflating the boot. With the bulb, you just have to press it till you get your optimal compression. The bulb boots have a pin that you use when deflating the boot by just pressing on the pin.
On the other hand, if your boot comes with a small compression pump, pump the shoe to your satisfaction. Besides, when wearing the boot, you can quickly tell the most comfortable compression.
Read also: Do You Need Crutches with a Walking Boot? Yes or No!
Injuries that Require a Walking Boot
A walking boot stabilizes the foot and ankle, reduces swelling, relieves pain, and fastens foot and ankle injury healing. Below are injuries that will require you to get a walking boot.
- Foot fractures
- Broken toe
- Shin fractures
- Severe sprains
- Bunions
- Achilles tendonitis
- Torn muscles
- Plantar fasciitis
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to put on a walking boot, the next step is to actualize the process. A walking boot is the next comfortable accessory to your foot to complete recovery. It is comfortable, reduces pain, and facilitates a fast healing process.
Have a quick recovery!
