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Cast VS. Air cast boot

Posted , 2 users are following.

rose71920
rose71920

Hello!

Looking for advice on what you guys would do. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks out from my tendon/ligament surgery.

Was in splint cast/ then cast one, cast two and PA said this Tuesday I have the option of getting another cast or go in an air cast. I haven't seen my doc since surgery so I'm  a bit confused as when I had the surgery he said def cast until Dec 20th then a boot/air cast. 

Have any of you had the option and or cast then air cast... which was better? (if you can say there is a better choice! ) LOL

Thanks,

Rose

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • kpower
    kpower rose71920

    Posted

    Rose,

    In my case, I wore a CAM boot (air cast) for about 6 weeks non-weight-bearing, then another 2 weeks partial-weight-bearing- this was for ankle fracture/sprain. My orthopedist never even mentioned using a cast.

    Of course each individual case is different, but if your doctor is giving you a choice of boot or cast, I would opt for a boot.

    The thing about a cast is that it is always there-- unlike a boot you can't remove it to wash or air out your leg and foot. It may be uncomfortable (surgical wound itching, rash, etc.) after a while. And it would be impossible to do any physical therapy (like ankle rotations) your doctor permits at this stage. The sooner you can work those dormant tissues then so much easier and faster will be your final recovery.

    A boot, on the other hand, can be taken off anytime you like (as long as you are resting ankle and not bearing weight or moving it in a manner that might hurt it). If ankle affected is your driving foot (for gas and brake pedals) you can walk to car in  boot, and then put on shoe-- keeps your mobility (but only do this if your doctor approves).

    Cast stays on in bed, but if doctor approves you can remove boot for bedtime.

    Note that using a boot requires you harness into it properly and securely to immobilize ankle parts just like a cast would do. Your doctor or their assistant should show you how to do this correctly. And wearing a boot requires common sense and discipline when boot is off.

    Do not cheat and put weight or stress on ankle because you are only going a short distance and you are too lazy or distracted to put boot back on for a few minutes.

    A cast will always be custom made and fit you perfectly. Buying a boot is like selecting other footwear-- you may not always get a perfect fit.

    Wishing you a speedy recovery.

    • rose71920
      rose71920 kpower

      Posted

      Thanks KP.... I decided to stick with the cast for one more week. I think it was the smarter choice for me. I appreciate your input.! 

      Rose

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