FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a CAM walker boot used for?
CAM walking boots are generally recommended for heel pain, ball of foot pain, acute ankle sprains, metatarsal stress fractures, foot and toe fractures, as well as after bunion or Achilles tendonitis surgery. The AirVantage II Low-Top Pneumatic Walker is designed for soft tissue injuries, stable fractures, grade 2 and 3 sprains, and after surgery or trauma, as part of the rehabilitation process. Lesser injuries can benefit from ankle splints or air casts.
Can I get a walking boot without a prescription?
As is the case with many orthopedic supplies, you don't need a prescription to get a CAM walking boot, but you must always follow the advice of your podiatrist. If you experience pain in any part of your leg, you should always seek medical advice and not attempt to fix sprains or fractures on your own. The doctor will also recommend the appropriate walker boot for your condition: short or long, pneumatic or regular.
Is a CAM boot the same as a walking boot?
Controlled ankle movement boots, CAM boots, moon boots, walking boots, Standard Ankle Walkers, and walker boots are all interchangeable terms that describe the same type of product. You can also walk with regular casts if the doctor tells you so, but only foot support devices like CAM boots are specially designed for this as they help distribute the weight and do not immobilize as much.
How long should you wear a CAM boot?
Depending on your condition and its severity, the doctor can require you to wear a walking boot for 1 to 8 weeks and may ask you to come back for an x-ray before allowing you to remove the lower extremity support. Besides asking them how long you should wear your CAM boot, make sure to check how much weight you can put on your injured foot, whether you will also need crutches, and when you can expect the rehabilitation process to end and go back to your regular activities. In general, plantar fasciitis requires wearing a CAM walking boot for 1-2 weeks, ball of foot pain for about 1 week, ankle sprains for 2 weeks, metatarsal stress fractures for 2-4 weeks, and toe fractures for 2-6 weeks, depending on the type of fracture. The worst-case scenario is an ankle fracture that can sometimes require more than 8 weeks of controlled ankle movement boots; make sure they are tall and pneumatic.
How much walking can I do in a walking boot?
When transitioning out of a walking boot, patients may experience secondary site pain because of leg-length discrepancy and gait alterations. This is why doctors usually recommend wearing a shoe balancer on your good foot while having your injured one in a walker boot. Elevated insoles will make your feet level and remove any associated walking discomfort. The most common secondary pain site is the lower back, followed by the hips and knees.
Can you drive with a CAM walker boot?
It is highly recommended that you abstain from driving if your leg is in a cast, a CAM walking boot, or any other foot support device that limits motion. Even if the doctor believes driving would not affect the speedy recovery of your injury, rest assured that CAM boots will prevent you from properly controlling the pedals and may impact your natural response time. Braking too hard or too late is dangerous for you, your passengers, any people crossing the street, and all other traffic participants.
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The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.