1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Ankle Problems

Walking boot advice please

Posted , 7 users are following.

Brom100
Brom100

2 weeks ago I had plates and screws fitted in my ankle following a break the week before. I have had my cast removed today and replaced with a walking boot. Do I have to wear my boot if I am sitting at home with my ankle elevated. I have been told not to weight bear and to keep the ankle elevated most of the time til I see my consultant in October. It is just so lovely to feel the fresh air on my leg.

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • danielle60870
    danielle60870 Brom100

    Posted

    Everyone is different in their recovery and depending on swelling ect they might want you to wear the boot... Definitely keep elevated and ice.. I would take it off while sitting honestly but that's just me..

  • carol36366
    carol36366 Brom100

    Posted

    I didn't wear the boot except for going out now and then on my knee scooter.

  • Brom100
    Brom100

    Posted

    Thank you for your advice. It is lovely not to wear it but I pop it back on when I go to the bathroom and stuff. Not yet confident to go 'naked'. I suppose it is still quite new to me.

  • yvonne13888
    yvonne13888 Brom100

    Posted

    I had cast for 6 weeks. Then walking boot for 4 weeks now. I take my walking boot off for icing and elevating and all night long. Able to walk in walking boot. Dr appt on Thursday. Hoping for no boot and into regular shoes. You are only 2 weeks after your pins and plates. Be careful when you take off your boot since you are only 2 weeks after your surgery. No weight bearing on it. Good luck. I hated having cast on for 6 weeks with the swelling. First leg breather was awesome!
  • justine87262
    justine87262 Brom100

    Posted

    Hi there..I was in a moon boot for 2 weeks, I only wore it while walking. Spend time if you able to massage your foot with moisturizer etc..think it helps once you get mobile again :-)
  • Brom100
    Brom100

    Posted

    Thank you for your comments they are so helpful. I love a massage with moisturiser. I called the clinic this morning and they have said I can do gentle stretching exercises but no weight bearing. It's a long journey but at least it's going in the right direction.

  • cunningham122
    cunningham122 Brom100

    Posted

    A walking boot was gave to me by the doctor and physio, however I haven't felt the need to wear/use it at all. At the end of the day it's really up to you. However, the boot was probably gave to you for a better reason than mine. I assume, since you're not weight bearing, your bone still needs a lot, or atleast some healing. If I were you i'd probably wear it, it's probably keeping your foot at the proper angle required to heal best. I was only gave the boot as protection from taking a knock. If your ankle is swollen make sure to keep it elevated. My ankle was swollen, and literally looked like a balloon, however I didn't take ibuprofen as it slows down/stops your bone/s healing. I didn't use ice either, but i probably should have. My ankle is all fine now with no swelling, all I done was elevated it. If you decide to wear the boot make sure to take it off sometimes and move your ankle about, you don't want a stiff ankle when you finally take it off.

    • Brom100
      Brom100 cunningham122

      Posted

      Thank you for the advise. I phoned my fracture clinic yesterday and they advised to wear it whenever I am moving around but that I can take it off when my leg is elevated. They also said I can do gentle stretching but to stop if it starts to hurt. I'm glad you are doing well xx

    • cunningham122
      cunningham122 Brom100

      Posted

      Thanks, and that's good to hear. Yesterday, while using my crutches one of them slipped, first reaction was to put my leg down fast and it hurt like an absolute B*tch. My vision went all funny and had to sit down, was ready for being sick. Luckily, my friends were there to help smile Leg is all fine, although my ankle was swollen, and I have bruised my heel. Another set back, just what I needed, haha.

    • Brom100
      Brom100 cunningham122

      Posted

      Sorry to hear that. I find the crutches really hard to use. I am on a walking frame at the moment. It just feels more secure x
    • cunningham122
      cunningham122 Brom100

      Posted

      Haha, I can finally walk without crutches. I'm going to use them a day or two more to be safe though. Glad to be done with them :D

    • yvonne13888
      yvonne13888 cunningham122

      Posted

      Awesome! I am in walking boot and no crutches. I must switch to regular shoe. How long will that take with crutches and finally no crutches?
    • kath27856
      kath27856 cunningham122

      Posted

      I did that the other day, overbalanced on the walker, went to steady myself & wham, full weight on healing ankle. Screamed like a banshee.

  • ruby96729
    ruby96729 Brom100

    Posted

    I'm about a month in after breaking my fibula. I'm walk around with the boot just around my house, not when I'm out. I usually keep it off when I'm sitting due to how hot and uncomfortable it can make my foot. I'd say everyone is different. If you feel comfortable taking it off it's all up to you.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.