Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Best Walking Boot for a Sprained Ankle [Do I Need To Wear A Boot?]
We go over the BEST walking boot for sprained ankle advice and compare the best medical boots, fracture boots and air cast boots!
Table of Contents
Medical walking boot for sprained ankle video:
We go over the best medical walking boot tips for a sprained ankle.
Walking boot for a sprained ankle video overview:
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- We go over the absolute best ankle boot medical tips and best walking boot cast tips!
- Save yourself from knee, hip and back pain from your ortho surgical walking boot!
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Best Walking Boots for Ankle Sprains:
These are our favorite medical walking boots for ankle sprains and broken ankles.
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Best Short Boot
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
$77.35
$46.95
$39.95
$12.99
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Price:
$77.35
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Short Boot
Price:
$46.95
Overview:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Pros:
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
Cons:
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Crucial Tips:
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Price:
$39.95
Overview:
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Pros:
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
Cons:
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
Crucial Tips:
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
$12.99
Overview:
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Knee Scooters for Ankle Sprains:
These are our favorite knee scooters for ankle sprains.
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
$103.99
$284.00
Price not available
$34.99
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
It is more costly than the economy version.
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Price:
$103.99
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Price:
$284.00
Overview:
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Pros:
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
Cons:
It is more costly than the economy version.
Crucial Tips:
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Pros:
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Cons:
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Crucial Tips:
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
$34.99
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
How long do I need to wear a walking boot for an ankle sprain?
There are 3 grades of an ankle sprain.
A grade 1 ankle sprain is a stretching of the ankle ligaments.
- On average this takes about 1-2 days for the initial pain to go away.
- It would probably be a good idea to protect it for at least 5-7 days with an ankle brace or with an ankle protective boot.
A grade 2 ankle sprain is a partial tearing or more significant stretch of the ankle ligaments.
- On average this could take about 1-2 weeks for the pain and soreness to go away.
- The ankle will then be unstable for a total up to 4 weeks until it starts to be safe to walk on again.
- For fastest healing we would recommend wearing a walking boot.
- As you transition away from the walking a boot to an ankle brace.
A grade 3 ankle sprain is a fairly significant injury that will require a visit with your podiatrist.
- This could be potentially a full rupture and may be associated with a broken bone. Sometimes this type of sprain can require surgery.
- At the very least a grade 3 ankle sprain requires a walking boot, medical boot or Aircast for about 4-6 weeks at the minimum.
Do you need a boot for a sprained ankle?
There are 3 grades of ankle sprains.
- The more severe the ankle sprain the more beneficial a walking boot and a knee scooter would be.
- Every situation is different, if you could completely stay off of the ankle sprain and avoid any activity, that no one would ever need a cast or a walking boot.
- Studies showed that wearing a walking boot can help all 3 grades of ankle sprains.
- This research shows that the more stable the foot and ankle is, the faster the ankle will heal.
- Admittedly this will not make a grade 3 ankle sprain heal in 1-2 days, but it will prevent a worse case scenario of worsening problems and issues.
- New studies do show that early physical therapy is essential in athlete ankle sprains. It is not a good idea to just keep the immobile. Gentle range of motion can be beneficial in more complete recovery of the ankle sprain.
Boot or Brace for Sprained Ankle?
What is better for an ankle sprain, a walking boot or an ankle brace?
- We believe both walking boots and ankle braces are excellent options for a sprained ankle.
- Recent studies are showing that a combination of protection against significant twisting or motion are beneficial.
- Is also beneficial to have some gentle range of motion once it is safe to do so.
- In our opinion we start our patients off in a walking boot for a severely sprained ankle. Especially if there is bruising or instability.
- As 1-2 weeks go by and the pain begins to decrease, a lace up ankle brace can be more beneficial. After 1-2 months if there is still soreness, a compression ankle brace can be very beneficial.
- We recommend a treatment plan of initially a walking boot for the ankle sprain, and then an ankle brace for support afterwards.
- This can take advantage of recent studies that show mobilization after the initial safe protection with a boot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where to buy a boot for a sprained ankle?
- If you are at your podiatrist’s office or medical supply store and have a prescription, this may be covered by insurance.
- Most insurance plans do cover a medical walking boot or an Aircast walking boot. This is probably the best way to make sure you get the proper fit.
- It is cheaper to buy a boot online, and this may be a better option for some people if there are insurance issues.
- The disclaimer is to always visit your doctor and make sure your properly diagnosed and that you have the proper fit.
Can I wear a boot for a sprained ankle?
- In our opinion it is a good idea to wear the medical walking boot for a more significantly sprained ankle.
- Studies now show that early protection with a walking boot and then early physical therapy and transition into a walking ankle brace may be beneficial.
- We always recommend getting diagnosed with your podiatrist and then potentially getting physical therapy afterwards for proper diagnosis.
How long do I need to wear a walking boot for sprained ankle?
- In a grade 1 ankle sprain it may only be necessary for a few days.
- For grade 2 ankle sprain it would likely be necessary for at least 1-2 weeks.
- In a grade 3 ankle sprain it may be necessary to wear for up to 4-6 weeks on the long end.
- Just make sure to follow with your podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist for an evaluation and proper diagnosis.
Is a boot good for sprained ankle?
- In our opinion a medical walking boot is a good idea for a sprained ankle especially if the more severe ankle sprain.
- A medical walking boot will protect the foot and prevent any significant or serious damage from being done.
- Studies now show that it is a good idea to start with medical walking boot or orthopedic boot for sprained ankle.
Do I need foot boot for a sprained ankle?
- The foot boot is also known as a medical walking boot.
- Yes this can be very beneficial in studies would agree that this is the safer initial choice in an unstable ankle sprain.
Should I wear a Cam boot for an ankle sprain?
- In our opinion a Cam boot is inferior to an Aircast or a compression walking boot for a sprained ankle.
- We would recommend using a medical compression walking boot over a Cam boot for ankle sprains.
- An ankle air cast boot is superior to a CAM boot for a sprained ankle.
How long should you wear a boot for a sprained ankle?
- On the short side, at least 1-2 days for a lighter unstable ankle sprain.
- And on the long side for grade 3 ankle sprain it could be beneficial to wear the medical walking boot for up to 4-6 weeks.
- Always check with your podiatrist or medical doctor for your specific situation.
What is an Air Boot for an Ankle Sprain?
- An air boot for an ankle sprain is the same as a medical walking boot for an ankle sprain.
- This is also synonymous with an air moon boot for an ankle sprain.
Boot or crutches for a sprained ankle:
- We would strongly recommend an air boot for a sprained ankle.
- We personally do not like crutches for ankle sprains, although they can be helpful to some people.
- If you do need an aid for walking, we would recommend a walker for inside the house and a scooter for outside the house.
- We have seen far too many accidents with using crutches for a sprained ankle.
- Crutches can be very difficult to use even for athletic people. They are extremely difficult to use for elderly people.
Do I need an ice boot for a sprained ankle?
- Ice boots for a sprained ankle can be beneficial to help control pain, but they will not help the overall healing time.
- Recent studies have shown that icing a sprained ankle can help with pain relief but it is not heal the ligaments any faster.
Do I need an Unna boot for sprained ankle?
- Personally we are big fans of unna boots for a sprained ankle.
- If the patient is in the clinic and has a lot of swelling and bruising through the ankle, an Unna boot for the sprained ankle can be very good.
- At our clinic we are big fans of utilizing unna boots whenever possible.
- An unna boot is the application of a zinc oxide layer from toes to the knee. It is then covered by a kerlix wrap and then a coflex, coban or ACE bandage.
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