CAM Walkers - Is a Medical Walker Boot Right For You?

Injured patient with foot injury wearing Air Traveler CAM Walker

What are CAM Walkers?

Learn how these popular medical boots can assist you in recovering from a variety of foot and ankle injuries.

What are CAM walkers?

CAM (Controlled Ankle Motion) walkers, also known as walking boots or orthopedic boots, are commonly used in the treatment of various injuries associated with the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The products are designed to act as removable casts, making them more practical for everyday use by patients with a variety of injuries associated with the foot, ankle, and lower leg. These products are designed to hold the ankle in a 90-degree position, which controls the amount of movement and force a user can place on his or her lower leg and foot while walking. The walker provides stability and protects the injured area from further damage.

What conditions are CAM walkers used to treat?

People may need walking boots for a variety of medical reasons. Some of the more popular use cases are listed below:
  1. Fractures: CAM walkers are frequently prescribed for fractures of the foot, ankle, or lower leg. They help immobilize the injured area, reduce pain, and promote healing.
  2. Sprains and strains: In cases of severe sprains or strains, CAM walkers are used for limiting movement and providing support to the affected ligaments or tendons, aiding in recovery.
  3. Achilles tendinitis: CAM walkers can help manage Achilles tendinitis, a condition characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon. By reducing stress on the tendon, they allow it to heal.
  4. Postoperative recovery: Following foot or ankle surgeries, CAM walkers are often used to protect the surgical site, provide stability, and promote proper healing.
It's important to note that the specific use of CAM walkers may vary depending on the individual's condition and the recommendations of their healthcare provider. Proper usage, duration, and adjustments of the walker should be followed as instructed by a medical professional to ensure optimal healing and recovery.

How do I know if I need a short or tall CAM walker?

CAM walkers typically come in two heights: short and tall. Short walkers, sometimes referred to as ‘ankle boots,’ come up just above the ankle. Tall walkers come just below the knee. The style that is most appropriate depends on the type and severity of the issue.
Tall Walkers It is commonly believed that tall walkers do a better job of immobilizing the ankle, and are best suited for injuries affecting the heel, ankle, and lower leg, especially when these injuries are providing severe pain levels for the patient and will require long healing times. Common use cases for tall walkers include:
  • Fractures of the lower leg or ankle
  • Severe Ankle Sprains and Ligament tears, especially when there is significant swelling
  • Postoperative Recovery from foot or ankle surgeries
  • Offloading diabetic wounds
Short Walkers, or "Ankle Boots" Short walkers are known to provide more “wiggle” room and allow for slightly more ankle motion than tall walkers. Therefore, it is often preferred that short walkers are used only for injuries related to the toes, forefoot, and midfoot. An additional benefit of short walkers is that they are lower profile and less bulky, making them a more comfortable choice for the end user with less severe injuries. Common use cases for short walkers include:
  • Injuries of the toes, forefoot, and midfoot, such as toe fractures, metatarsal fractures, and midfoot sprains
  • Minor ankle sprains and strains

How do I know if I need an air or a non-air walker?

In addition to the height of the walker, a user must also select if they need an air walker or a non-air walker.
Air walkers, sometimes referred to as pneumatic walkers, have inflatable bladders within the lining of the walker. The benefit of the air bladders is that can be inflated and deflated throughout the course of healing as swelling and bandaging levels change. When inflated, the air bladders provide a gentle compressive force against the leg to further limit the motion of the foot and ankle during healing. Air walkers are also well-suited for patients with slimmer legs that cannot fill the volume of the walker boot. Non-air walkers, sometimes referred to as non-pneumatic walkers, do not feature internal air bladders. These walkers are often selected by patients with wider legs/calves or who have heavy bandaging, as these patients are able to fill out the volume of the boot and do not need the bladders for additional motion restriction. Non-air walkers are also a suitable choice for patients with neuropathy who have limited ability to feel if a walker has been overinflated around his or her leg.

What type of activities can I do in a CAM walker? What should I avoid?

CAM walkers are intended to allow users to remain ambulatory during the healing process. They are designed to enable users to walk short distances and bear weight on the injured foot. While these boots do allow patients to remain ambulatory, patients should not use the shoes to drive, exercise, and walk far distances. You should also avoid bathing in the shoe. When engaging in non weight-bearing activities, such as resting or sleeping, your boot may be removed. However, you must remember to put the boot back on as soon as you begin bearing weight on the injured foot for any amount of time to protect the injury, surgical site, or wound. DISCLAIMER: It is important to note that these guidelines are general in nature, and your specific situation may require a tailored approach. Always consult with your healthcare provider for an accurate assessment of your condition and their recommendations regarding the type of walker that best suits your needs. DARCO Direct cannot dispense medical advice.

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