If you've recently had surgery on your foot or ankle, you may be wondering when you can stop wearing your walking boot and how do you cope in life with a boot. I know how you feel - I had ankle surgery and was STRICT non-weight bearing for 5 months - had to use a wheelchair or walker!
In this blog post, we'll answer questions about a walking boot, from when you can take it off to what happens after it comes off.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about life with and after a walking boot!
What is a Walking Boot?
A walking boot is a type of medical shoe that is worn after foot or ankle surgery. Walking boots are also referred to as CAM walkers, which stands for "Controlled Ankle Motion."
Walking boots are designed to keep your foot and ankle stable while you heal from your surgery or injury.
Did you know that you can work out in a walking boot? I found this video on YouTube, check it out. You may want to get approval from your doctor before you start any of the exercises in the video. Video: HIIT Workout in a boot. Stay fit with ankle / foot injury by Kim Saha Physiotherapy and Pilates:
When Can I Stop Wearing My Walking Boot?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how long you need to wear your boot. You will likely be asked to wear your walking boot for 4-6 weeks after your surgery. However, this will depend on the type of surgery you had.
How do people survive non-weight bearing?
The thought of not being able to put weight on your foot or ankle can be daunting, but there are ways to make it work:
- First, invest in a good pair of crutches - this will help take some of the pressure off of your foot.
- Second, get yourself a rolling stool or knee scooter - this will allow you to get around without putting any weight on your foot at all.
You need to be careful with the knee scooter, my pants got tangled up in the front wheel of my knee scooter and I would have taken a nose dive if my husband hadn't caught me. - Finally, make sure to ask friends or family members for help with things like laundry, groceries, and cooking so that you don't have to put any extra strain on your foot.
What Happens After the Walking Boot Comes Off?
After the walking boot comes off, you will likely:
- need to continue wearing a brace or Orthotic insert for added support.
- You may need to use a walker or cane for stability.
- You probably need to have physical therapy to help regain strength and motion in your foot and ankle.
- Take your time - you will not be able to start running right away. You foot may still be a bit numb or tingly. Give it time to catch up to your expectations.
Can I Rest My Foot on the Floor When Non-Weight Bearing?
No, you cannot place your foot on the floor at any time. Out of habit, you may forget and place weight on your injured foot. One accidental slip, trip or fall could set your recovery back days, weeks or even months. You might even damage your recovering ankle to much that you need another surgery to repair the new damage.
Walking boots are specifically designed to protect your foot or ankle while it heals. It's important that you follow your doctor's instructions and wear your boot for the prescribed amount of time. If you have questions about your recovery, defer to your doctor! Follow your doctor's advice!
Be sure to keep your foot elevated above your heart whenever possible. This will help to keep down the swelling, which will help to reduce pain.
Does It Hurt To Start Weight Bearing?
It is normal for there to be some pain and discomfort when starting weight bearing after surgery. Your body is adjusting to the new way of moving and this can take some time. If the pain is severe or persistent, be sure to contact your doctor.
All in all, following your doctor's orders and being patient are key when recovering from foot or ankle surgery. And soon enough, you'll be back on your feet before you know it!
Conclusion:
Walking is an important part of recovering from surgery and getting back to a healthy lifestyle. However, it's important to listen to your body and take things slowly at first.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about whether or not you should use a walking boot and how long you should wear one for maximum healing.
If you have any questions or concerns about starting to walk again after surgery, don't hesitate to give your doctor a call.
As you can see, there are several suggestions, each with its own pros and cons. Selecting which shoes are best for you is up to you. You may start out with one type and then, as your healing progresses, switch to another. And the COLORS and styles these days are spectacular! Just stick to the right shoes for now, and splurge on the colors! You can get back into the heels and designer shoes AFTER you have completely recovered and your doctor has given you the green light.
Remember, this is not medical advice or diagnosis - just words for thought! You should defer to the advice from your doctor / surgeon. Do not rely on what you read on the internet - only use this reading as informational - words to consider and talk with your doctor about.
Please remember that all of the suggestions are just that "suggestions". What is most important is that you give your foot time to heal? Comfort is important, and it is an individual feeling, no two people experience the same feelings!
Good luck with your search for walking shoes to wear after the boot comes off! Be safe and healthy!
Annie, Founder of AnniesAnswers.com
If you would like information on suggested shoes to wear after a walking boot or why to wear walking boots – I wrote the following articles:
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