Air boots, also known as pneumatic walking boots, are devices designed to immobilise the foot and ankle after an injury or surgery. They are similar to traditional casts but offer more comfort and adjustability, making them a popular choice for patients recovering from foot and ankle injuries.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about air boots, including their benefits, and how to use them.
Benefits of Air Boots
Air boots have several benefits over traditional casts, including:
- Comfort: Unlike casts, air boots are made of soft materials that cushion the foot and ankle, making them more comfortable to wear for long periods.
- Adjustability: Air boots can be adjusted to fit the patient’s foot and ankle precisely, ensuring optimal immobilisation and support.
- Mobility: While traditional casts can be bulky and heavy, air boots are lightweight and allow for more mobility, enabling patients to perform daily activities more comfortably.
- Hygiene: Air boots are usually removable, making them easier to clean and maintain hygiene.
How to Use Air Boots
To use air boots, follow these steps:
- Remove any socks or bandages from the affected foot or ankle.
- Open the air boot and place the foot inside, ensuring that the heel rests against the back of the boot.
- Adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit, but not too tight to cut off circulation.
- Inflate the air chambers using the pump provided until the boot feels comfortable and provides enough support.
- Walk around and test the fit, making any necessary adjustments to the straps or air pressure.
- Wear the air boot as instructed by your doctor or physiotherapist.
Conclusion
Air boots are a popular choice for patients recovering from foot and ankle injuries due to their comfort, adjustability, and mobility. There are several types of air boots available in the market, and they can be used for various injuries and patient sizes. If you’re recovering from a foot or ankle injury, ask your doctor if an air boot could be a suitable option for you.
At Kratos Health, we offer 2 versions of the rebound air walker boot,as well as other orthopaedic products to help you recover from injuries and surgeries. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you regain your mobility and comfort.