About the boot
You have been given an Aircast boot to wear while your ankle or foot heals. We have inflated the air cells and adjusted the boot, so it fits you. If you have a wound on your foot or ankle, it may be difficult for the wound to heal with something pressing against it. The air cells of the boot protect the wound against such pressure and ease the strain on your foot and any wound when standing and walking. The boot cannot prevent all pressure, so you should walk as little as possible, unless we have said otherwise.
Instructions when using the boot
We will instruct you on how to use the boot before you go home. The physician will determine which instructions apply to you:
☐ You may remove the boot when resting.
☐ You may remove the boot when sleeping.
☐ You may remove the boot when washing.
☐ You may remove the boot when exercising.
☐ Do not remove the boot until instructed otherwise.
☐ Special instructions for you:
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Put the boot on correctly
First, put on a long cotton sock. The sock should fit snuggly and should not bunch. Turn the boot upside down and shake it to make sure that there is nothing in it that may irritate your skin.
Before you put on the boot, open the straps and remove the plastic front plate. If the boot has flaps to lie across the foot, open these as well. If the boot has padding up the leg, open this.
Sit on a chair when putting on the boot.
Put your foot in the boot. Press your heel flat against the back of the boot, and your foot as far into the boot as possible.
If the boot has flaps, wrap them over the front of your foot. Start with the flaps on the side of the foot, and then wrap the flap over your toes.
If the boot has padding up the leg, wrap this around your lower leg.
Position the plastic front and tighten the straps. Start with the strap closest to your toes and then move up your leg, so the support feels comfortable.
If the boot feels too tight, begins to chafe or if there is uneven pressure, try to readjust the boot and straps.
How to wash while wearing a boot
If you may remove the boot when washing or taking a bath. We recommend that you sit on a chair or bath bench with your foot on a stool. Put the boot on again as soon as possible after drying off.
If you have been instructed not to remove the boot, you can cover the boot with a plastic bag when washing. Make sure the top of the bag is tightly sealed to avoid getting the boot wet.
How to clean the boot
You can clean the boot yourself when necessary. Take the boot off before cleaning it. Remove the padding and wash it at 30 degrees in a washing machine and let it air dry. You can wring out the padding in a towel to help it dry faster. Wipe down the rest of the boot using a damp cloth. Put the boot on again once it is clean and dry.
Keep your foot elevated and wiggle your toes
It is normal for your foot to swell during the day and for the boot to begin to tighten around your leg. We recommend that you take rests throughout the day. Place a pillow on a stool and rest your foot on it when sitting down. Place a pillow or duvet under your foot when lying down to ensure your foot is above the level of your heart. Wiggle your toes often to reduce swelling.
Use crutches or some other walking aid
Use the crutches or the other equipment you have been given to help you walk.
Tread carefully on wet surfaces
Note that the boot can be slippery, so be careful when walking on wet surfaces.
Contact us if the boot pinches
If the boot begins to pinch, if you begin to feel a whirring or tightening sensation, or if your leg begins to feel painful or swell, contact Led- og Knoglekirurgi, klinik 1 (Bone and joint surgery, department 1).
Throw away the boot when you no longer need it
The boot cannot be re-used. So, when you are done using it, throw it out