Adjusting & Walking With an Aircast Boot Walker
The Aircast boot walker is designed for treatment of severe ankle sprains and foot fractures. It is also used in edema management and for post-operative treatment. One of the benefits of the Aircast boot walker is the control granted to the wearer; you will have the ability to customize your level of comfort while wearing the Aircast boot walker via the adjustable straps and the air cell pockets located on the side walls of the brace.
Wear a cotton cast sock over the injured foot. Sit down and straighten out your leg. Position your heel against the back of the cast. Wrap the liner over your leg and smooth out any wrinkles in the liner fabric.
Set the protective plate over your shin and the top of your foot. Tighten the straps on the front of the Aircast boot, working your way up the boot until the straps are snug and comfortable.Wear a sneaker shoe on your free foot.
Locate the aircell valve at the back of the brace near your ankle. Insert the labeled "Inflate" tip of your air pump into the valve closest to the inside of your leg and squeeze the bulb of the air pump until the aircell feels snug.
Inflate the aircell toward the outside of your leg in a similar fashion. You will require more inflation in the aircells while walking and less throughout periods when you are seated.
Tighten the straps on the front of your boot walker to apply pressure as needed.
Position a crutch under each arm and slowly propel yourself forward. Continue to use crutches as needed according to the recommendations of your doctor or until the pain subsides enough for you to feel comfortable while walking without the crutches.
Turn the foot in the cast outward at an angle when walking without the crutches. Straighten out the leg with the cast whenever possible as you apply the pressure of your weight onto the injured foot.
Support your body weight on your other leg and slowly lift your injured foot forward.Carefully take alternating steps forward and use your crutches to help support and carry your weight as needed.
References
- "Aircast Walker Foam Pneumatic Boot Manual" DJO LLC; 2010
Writer Bio
Lina Schofield began writing professionally in 2005. She is a professional freelance writer who has worked on a variety of projects, including the founding of the quarterly publication "Propaganda." Schofield also has been published in several student collections. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English at University of Wales Trinity Carmarthen.