Why have I been given a walker boot?
Your MSK podiatrist has fitted you with a walker boot to help offload the injured tissues within your foot or ankle.
It is important that you wear the boot as advised. Your boot should be worn any time you are on your feet, unless otherwise specified by your clinician.
It can be removed to allow you to:
- wash
- dress
- sleep
- carry out rehabilitation
- apply icepacks
How to fit the walker boot
To fit the walker boot:
- Open the liners and straps of the boot.
- Whilst sitting, place your heel firmly to the back of the boot.
- Wrap the liner around the foot then the leg. It should be snug but not too tight.
- Start by tightening the strap across the ankle and then at the toes, then work your way from the ankle up the leg. Fasten the straps until your foot and ankle feels snug and immobilised, but not so tight as to cause pressure.
- There are extra foam pads that can be used to protect any pressure areas, such as under the ankle strap or around the ankle bones.
- The airbags in the walking boot allow firmness around your ankle and foot. It is important not to over-inflate the airbags as this may cause skin irritation or reduce your circulation to your foot and ankle.
- To inflate the air bags, twist the valve to inflate and pump the air bulbs at the front of your boot until you feel the airbags against your ankle or foot.
- To deflate the air bags twist the valve to deflate and the air should release. This can be done gradually or quickly as required.
- Higher pressure provides more support when walking. Lower pressure is more comfortable when sitting or reclining. Pressure can also be adjusted by tightening or loosening the straps.
Walking whilst wearing the walker boot
- Level up – Walker boots are made with an elevated, stiff rocker sole. This elevation can create a height difference between limbs which may cause some discomfort at the lower back or hip. It is recommended you use footwear with a built up sole, for example a running trainer, on the non-injured leg to help minimise this height difference.
- Rest more – Whilst your boot will allow you to walk and undertake basic daily living tasks, the aim of treatment is to offload your injured foot or ankle. Rest is your friend. The aim is to reduce your daily activity for a period of time whilst you are recovering from your injury or MSK condition.
- Additional walking aids – These may be issued if you have been recommended to partially weight-bear as part of your treatment plan, if you are still experiencing pain when walking in your boot, or if you are at risk of a fall. A physiotherapist will assess your needs and supply you with the most suitable walking aid for your needs, such as crutches or a walking frame.
- Shorter strides – When wearing your walker boot, try to take shorter strides as this will help your walking pattern and reduce the weight bearing load through your legs.
- Take Care – When walking with your walker boot on, take care especially when you see uneven or wet surfaces.
- Alignment – Keep your knee and foot straight when you are walking, standing or sitting in your walker boot. You may be tempted to turn your foot outwards due to the weight of the boot. However, you should try to avoid this.
- Feet Up – If you have swelling in your foot or ankle, try to periodically sit and elevate your leg (with your foot higher than your hip) to help reduce swelling.
- Check – Check the skin under your boot every day to ensure there are no blisters, wounds or sores from using the boot.
Caring for your walker boot
The liner can be washed with mild soap and water and air dried overnight. Avoid placing it in the tumble dryer.
Inspect your boot on a regular basis. If you notice significant wear of the rubber grip on the sole of the boot or damage to the straps, please contact your clinician to review the safety of your boot.
We are not able to reuse boots. When treatment is complete, and you no longer require the device, it should discarded in general waste.
Should I wear my walker boot while sleeping?
In most instances, your walker boot should be removed before going to bed unless you have been told otherwise.
If leaving your walker boot on whilst in bed, please ensure the straps are loosened for comfort. You may find it useful to surround your injured foot with pillows to maintain support and prevent movement. This gives extra comfort and peace of mind that your foot is secure while you sleep.
Use of a walker boot and driving
It is recommended you do not operate any car, vehicle or machinery whilst your ankle is in a walker boot.
Be aware it is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to drive. You are responsible for your actions and decisions when driving. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. If you drive a heavy goods or public service vehicle, the rules may be stricter. Please inform your employer of your injury.
Fitness to drive following a foot or ankle injury
Do not drive if:
- wearing a walker boot or fixed cast
- you are unable to move your ankle up and down to operate the foot pedals
- your foot or ankle pain prevents you from performing an emergency stop
- you are unable to control your foot or ankle movements
If you are taking pain medication, ensure that the medication does not:
- cause drowsiness
- affect your ability to think clearly or react to a situation
If your pain is affecting your ability to sleep at night, this can affect your coordination. If you feel sleepy or tired, you are advised not to drive until you are fully rested.
Ensure your lower leg has regained its strength and endurance to allow for you to drive safely for the length of your journey.
When should I call for help?
Call your podiatrist or seek immediate medical care if:
- you have severe or increasing pain
- you have problems with your boot
- the skin under the boot is burning or stinging, or you have a painful spot where the boot is rubbing
- you have numbness or tingling in the foot or toes, that does not go away when you adjust the tightness of the boot
- there is more swelling than normal in the lower leg that does not reduce with elevation
- your leg turns cold or changes colour
- you have trouble moving your toes
- you have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg – such as pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh or groin
- you have redness or swelling in your leg or groin
- you develop a wound or weeping skin
- you are not getting better as expected