How to Cast a Walking Boot
Following an injury to your foot or ankle, your therapist or doctor may prescribe a walking boot for you to wear while you heal. These walking boots are helpful in allowing you to keep your ankle joint still while still having the ability to use your affected leg to walk and stand. Casting a walking boot is a moderately easy process, but a licensed medical professional should do it.Things You'll Need
- Walking boot
- Treatment table or chair
- Cotton wrap
Instructions
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Position the patient on a treatment table or similar surface with the affected leg extended. Wrap the patient's ankle with the cotton wrap or bandage, beginning at the top of the ankle and working down to the patient's toes. Do not cover the toes with the bandage to allow for adequate air flow and circulation in the limb.
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Position the patient's leg in the walking boot by first guiding the heel into position. Be sure the walking boot is completely open, and no straps or latches should be secured at this time. Once the boot is positioned, slowly close the sides of the walking boot around the patient's ankle.
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3
Beginning at the top of the walking boot, begin to secure the straps or latches for the patient and work down until all latches and straps are closed. Depending on the model of walking boot you are using, these latches and straps may include Velcro or buckles to be used for locking the boot in place. Tighten the straps around the patient's ankle so there is a snug fit and the patient's ankle cannot move inside the boot.
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4
Allow the patient to stand in order to gauge the patient's comfort with the walking boot's fit. If the boot is too tight or uncomfortable to the patient, have him sit down and repeat the casting process.
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