When we injure our leg a CAM walker boot may help in the healing process. It replaces the traditional plaster de Paris for a broken or sprained leg. The CAM in CAM Walker boots means control ankle movement. It is used when doctors need to keep the ankle or foot is a fixed position. Even though sometimes they may allow for a small range of motion.
What is a CAM walking boot?
The control ankle boot goes by many different names including fracture boot, moon boot or medical boot. It is used to protect the foot and ankle after a serious injury or surgery. The most treated injuries include severe sprains, broken bones in the foot and tendon injuries. The walker boot keeps the foot in an immobilized stated so that the bones or tendons can heal properly.
What does a CAM walker Boot Look Like?
The walking boot is made of very strong polyethene outer shell with a material inner liner. The inner liner sometimes features an air bladder to keep feet more comfortable and secure. It has two to five adjustable straps at the from of the boot from the toe area up to the calf. These straps keep the boot secure on your foot. The boots with the air bladder are called pneumatic walker boots.
How do I put on A CAM walker Boot properly?
Your doctor will normally instruct you on how to wear the walker boot and whether or not you are allowed to take it off at night or to sleep in them. You can read the article Do I sleep with my walking boot on? Below is the step by step process on how to put on the boot walker.
- Put on a non-constricting sock that goes up to your knees. It serves as protection for your skin while wearing the boot to prevent irritation.
- Sit comfortably and place your heel in the walker boot until it is flush against the back of the boot.
- Wrap the inner liner around your foot and leg starting from the toes.
- Place the front cover over the inner liner.
- Fasten the straps, start with the ones closest to your toes first then move up to your leg.
- Tighten the straps until the boot fits snugly on your foot – not too loose or too tight. The boot should immobilize the ankle or restrict movement but not cut off blood flow to the leg and foot.
- If you are wearing the pneumatic boot walkers put the air bladder as directed by your healthcare team.
- Do the final adjustment to ensure that the moon boot is comfortable. Stand up, walk around, adjust the straps or the air pump until everything is just right for you.
- When it is time to deflate the boot if allowed to take them off, deflate the air chambers first before removing the boot from your feet.
Conditions Treated By Using A CAM Walking Boot
Listed below are some of the most common conditions that are treated by using the CAM boot walker.
- Fracture of the Ankle
- Ankle Sprain
- Ball of Foot Pain
- Regular Foot Fracture
- Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis
- Fracture of the Metatarsal bones
- Tendonitis
- Toe Fracture
For information on how these are treated and the type of boot walks that treat these injuries, have a look on the page ‘On Surviving the Cam Walking boot’ where details are given.
Handy tips on wearing the CAM walking boots that you need to know. You do not want to miss these!
- Regularly check your feet and toes. As your feet are in the boot walker they are still at risk. You, therefore, have to be on the lookout for redness, swelling, numbness or tingling. These are an indication of something more serious if not dealt with urgently. How to fix these: you may need to loosen the straps a bit or release some of the air from the air bladder. If your feet were swollen when the doctor fit the boot he or she may require that you inflate the boot a bit more as the swelling goes down and tighten the straps.
- Be mindful of your gait. The boots are loved by most because it allows you to walk around while your bones or tendons heal. That is of course if your injury is weight-bearing or not. If your injury is not weight-bearing you can use the Iwalk2.0 to move around. Be careful when going up and downstairs and when the floor is slippery.
- Keep your boot walker Clean. You feet are vulnerable therefore it is important that you keep the area clean. Clean the outer boot and clean the inner liner. Wash the liner by simply removing it and wash in cold using mild detergent. Dry it thoroughly before using. Do not machine wash or dry in a dryer. Wipe the outer plastic parts with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure everything is dried properly before using again. More information on cleaning can be found in this article,Genesis walker boot review.
- Bathing. Your doctor may instruct you to leave not take the boot off, even when you have to take a bath. If that is the case, you can get a plastic bag, put the foot with the boot in it and tape the top of the bag to secure it around your leg. Or you can buy the Waterproof Leg Cast Cover for Shower bag on Amazon. It is rated quite highly.
When should I call my doctor?
- If you’re experiencing severe pain or discomfort that refuses to go away then it may be time to get advice from your doctor.
- If the boot is uncomfortable whatever you do then it may be a good idea to get some external help.
- If you have any concerns whatsoever it is better to get advice from your doctor early instead of waiting and risk something severe happening.
Keep these ideas in mind concerning your Care
Research as much as possible about your injury and the treatment options that may be available.
Discuss these treatment options with your healthcare providers so that you are confident about the type of treatment you are receiving.
If you are not satisfied you can get a second opinion from another specialist. Listen to your health care team about your care do not change anything without their advice.
Further Information that May Be Useful
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this or any other page on this or any other site applies to your personal circumstances.
The above information is for educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be acted upon as medical advice for your individual circumstances. Talk to your doctor, nurse or your health care team before following any medical regimen.
Conclusion
Hope you found the information on CAM walker boots useful. The walking boots are a useful invention and allow the wearer a certain level of freedom. The traditional cast, the alternative to the walker boot is not as flexible.
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