Based on my research on cast vs boot for broken foot I found out that if you have a fractured foot either a cast or walking boot may work well to help the injury. There is a small difference between both of them which I will reveal in this article.
A walking boot is designed to provide a certain amount of stability to an injured foot and at the same time provide a bit of flexibility. While on the other hand, a cast tends to be more rigid and uncomfortable.
The doctor typically would not allow a switch to a boot unless in your case either a boot or a cast would be suitable alternatives. Which bones were fractured? Sometimes either a boot or a cast are equally stabilizing (except that your friends cannot sign a boot as easily as a cast!)
If the cast was too cumbersome, or felt too confining, then a walking boot may be a suitable alternative – so long as you adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding weight bearing and foot care.
The boot may require that you are more deliberately adherent to the doctor’s instructions since it is technically a removable device. Please adhere strictly to your doctor’s instructions, so that the outcome may be just as positive as if you had kept the cast.
The traditional cast vs boot for broken foot summary
A traditional cast is soft and is not weight bearing. You cannot put the pressure of your body weight on it because it will crack under the pressure. While the walking boot cast is made of very tough polycarbonate outer skeleton that makes it very hard wearing. Only put weight on
The traditional cast for broken foot provides a lot of surface for your friends to write their names on. The boot does not give you this facility. This one should not be included because it is sort of silly.
The traditional cast is formed with bandage and plaster making it susceptible to damage if it gets wet. While wearing your cast you cannot get it wet, sorry, no showering with the cast.
You would be better off with a walking boot because it is removable and allows you to be able to regularly clean your foot and the boot – as long as you follow the doctor’s instructions.
While using the traditional cast you will need a crutch to support your weight. Remember, the cast is not usually weight bearing. With the walker boot, you may not need the crutch. Hey, that why it is called a walker boot.
The traditional cast is wrapped around the foot for the duration of the injury. Since your leg will lose muscle mass over that period of time it may provide less and less support. While the walker boot may be adjusted for a snug fit.
Worst of all, the traditional cast will cause your foot to hitch and you will find it difficult to scratch that hitch. The boot walker or moon boot is easy to remove for you to scratch that hitch. Aah, that feels so good.
Conclusion of the cast vs boot for broken foot.
If your injury is not severe and your doctor offers you a choice between the traditional cast and the boot walker for broken foot then I personally would go with the boot walker because of the reasons mentioned above.
I would be less inclined to go with the traditional cast even though your friends would love to sign your cast and you would look cool hopping around with your cast signed by lots of friends.
If you have any personal experience relating to this topic please share it in the comment box as it my be helpful to others going experiencing similar issues.
As a final note, please remember that the information is general and for more specific information related to your case please speak to your doctor.
