Medical boots, also known as a walking brace or controlled ankle movement (CAM) boots, are specially designed to immobilize or restrict the movement of fractured foot, metatarsal, tarsal or ankle areas
which sometimes follow a surgical procedure. The chief purpose of these medical boots is to provide stability to the wounded area and allow the healing process to begin effectively. Weight redistribution provided by the medical boots reduces the pressure on these weight-bearing areas and assists in the healing process.
The common injuries that require medical boot assistance include
Metatarsal fracture
Sprain in ankle ligaments
Small fractures that cause swelling and bruising in foot area
Inflammation of plantar fascia
Fracture of big toe.
SCIENTIFIC CONSIDERATIONS: If an ankle sprain or foot injury requires surgery, it becomes necessary to use medical boots for 6 to 8 weeks. Medical boots for a fractured foot are inclined to be more comfortable and cozier than the casts, which are tight-fitting and irritating and sometimes result in heat rash. It becomes indispensable to wear CAM boots when the fractured bone or ankle is held by screws and plates to assist the healing process. Walking without such medical assistance may exert too much pressure on the injured area and could be more damaging. Following are some of the medical considerations about CAM boots:
RESILIENCE AND PLIABLE SUPPORT—These medical boots provide strong, durable, and flexible assistance to minimize foot mobility. This snug, well-constructed shell is lightweight and has breathable liners that make it comfy and wick away the moisture and promote a healthy airflow.
COMFORT AND DURABILITY—Medical boots provide optimal alignment to the reduced bones so the comfort level can be maintained.
SECURE FOR WALKING—These boots are featured with high-quality, durable material that prevents the shear or any kind of drift, thus making it safe to take small, natural steps.
FINEST MEDIUM FOR HEALING PROCESS– The medical-grade material lining the boot provides a perfectly healthy, airy environment to allow the healing process to take place, along with maintaining the skin's integrity.
MOBILITY AND ADJUSTMENT: Many medical or orthopedic boots have straps.
Some others come with built-in air cushions; they serve to sustain the fractured or wounded area in place to prevent an injured area from moving when it is in the bone regrowth stage.
Also, medical boots help to reduce muscle spasticity, edema, and pain. CAM boots are specifically made for the purpose of restricting ankle movement and easing the initial healing process.
These medical boots guard against wounded tissues, bone fractures, torn ligaments and stretched tendons, as well as dislocated joints. This restriction shield helps the fractured bone to heal faster.
ROLE OF MEDICAL BOOTS IN HEALING PROCESS:
Medical boots increase stabilization of one’s injury and improve the healing time.
PROVIDE SUPPORT TO ARCHES OF FOOT: Medical boots serve the healing process by specifically maintaining the foot structure integrity. If there is damage to the arch system of the foot, it results in flattening of the foot (pes planus).
Medical boots serve to prevent excessive pronation of the foot, which otherwise causes too much pain.
One great assistance to help ease the pain of one’s injury is sock liners. These sock liners help promote circulation and reduce irritation and rubbing from the CAM boots. They also provide a perfect size fit.
PRESSURE REDUCTION ON FOOT: Medical boots help to reduce the pressure on the sole of the foot and heel. The insulated padding system plays an important role in reducing the pressure on the fractured area, partly by absorbing it.
Medical boots also serve to alleviate the stress on the knees, calves, lower back, and gluteal region.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAM BOOT:
The choice of the right medical shoes helps the foot heal faster. And it should be decided according to the type of fracture.
There are two main types of boots. These are tall walking boots or short walking boots. Short walking boots are the best for post-operative foot surgery, tarsal and metatarsal fractures, and soft tissue damage. Tall walking boots are commonly used for acute ankle sprains and torn ligaments and tendons and are used postoperatively.
Tips to adjust the walking boot:
Getting used to walking boots is a little trickier than it seems to be. It may take a little time to adjust; some tips are
TAKE PROPER REST: Although the medical boots are made for just walking, still special care should be taken to take proper rest. Otherwise, the pain can aggravate, and swelling will increase, resulting in a a worsening of the condition.
TAKE SHORT STEPS: Shorter steps during walking help reduce the stress on the ankle and fractured foot.
KEEP THE OTHER FOOT AT THE LEVEL:
Medical boots are a bit higher than typical shoes, so to avoid the hobble walk and other gait issues, the normal foot should be kept at the same level as the injured foot.
CONCLUSION:
Patients who used medical boots show a faster rate of recovery that allows them to return to normal activity in a short time.
Medical boots are to be decided with the healthcare provider's help; sometimes it is indispensable to seek a doctor’s advice. Medical boots have a high heel due to their insulation pads and cushions, which are also adjustable. It allows the patient to keep the foot slightly plantar flexed, which is necessary after foot surgery, and also helps to reduce the swelling. Medical boots are comfy to wear and place the injured foot in an adjustable position, so the pain can be minimized. CAM boots restrict the ankle joint movement and also help in weight redistribution. The resilient and soft material of the boot makes it easy to wear, and also the commodious and airy environment helps the fracture to heal faster.