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Your Care InstructionsOrthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks. How long you wear it depends on how serious your injury is. Orthopedic boots are removable, and most of them can be adjusted. Your health professional will show you how to put on, remove, and adjust your boot. Ask your health professional to give you any instructions that may have come with your boot. Most orthopedic boots have straps. Some have built-in air cushions that hold the injured area in place. Some boots have settings that control how much your ankle can move. These boots are called controlled ankle movement (CAM) boots. Adjust or remove the boot only when your doctor says it's okay. If your boot has CAM settings, do not change those settings. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?General care
Boot and skin care
Water and your boot
When should you call for help?Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter L531 in the search box to learn more about "Orthopedic Boot: Care Instructions". Should I wear my walking boot all day?If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash. Regularly perform the exercises below to get your movement back.
How long do you typically wear a walking boot?Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks. How long you wear it depends on how serious your injury is. Orthopedic boots are removable, and most of them can be adjusted. Your health professional will show you how to put on, remove, and adjust your boot.
What should you not do in a walking boot?Keep your feet and your knees straight.
The weight/shape of the boot is going to make you want to turn your feet outwards as you walk, sit or stand. DON'T. Be sure your second toe is always pointing in the same straight line as the center of your knee.
Should you wear a walking boot when resting?Although you should follow your doctor's advice in any situation, the normal practice is to wear the boot while sleeping. However, loosening the straps that secure the boot will increase wearing comfort and allow you to sleep better.
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