You can use a walking boot to help with plantar fasciitis. It is a nonsurgical treatment for the foot condition. It can offer you more mobility. In this article, you’ll find out the answer to Does A Walking Boot Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition wherein your fascia is overly stretched and has tiny tears. It causes pain and inflammation. Several factors contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Why is a walking boot recommended for plantar fasciitis?
A walking boot is recommended for plantar fasciitis since it can give your more mobility compared to a regular cast. A walking boot is beneficial not only for plantar fasciitis but also for a lower leg injury.
The walking boot is strapped to the affected leg and immobilized to promote proper healing. Its main purpose is to keep you mobile while protecting the injured structure.
You should wear the walking boot properly, so your foot or leg will heal correctly. The boot will reduce the tension on your plantar fascia so that it can heal and rest.
Why should you wear a walking boot for plantar fasciitis?
The walking boot has many medical benefits and can help to speed up the process of healing. It can protect your ankle and foot from injuries, including shin splint, sprain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and broken foot.
With this device, you can safely put weight on the injured ankle or foot. In addition, it also helps to stabilize the motion and mobility of your ankle and foot.
The walking boot is flexible enough to let you move and stand for a long time without allowing your heel or forefront foot contact with a surface which can cause pain.
How to reduce inflammation in plantar fasciitis?
At the early stage of plantar fasciitis, you can reduce the inflammation. You can use corticosteroids or NSAIDs to relieve pain due to the foot condition.
It is also a good idea to use frozen water or ice bottle massage to reduce inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. The walking boot is helpful to promote immobilization to place the area to rest.
Does physical therapy help to reduce pain in plantar fasciitis?
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. Physical therapists can provide the best treatment plans to reduce the pain caused by the foot condition.
With physical therapy, you can restore the normal mobility of your joints and soft tissue. Ultrasound may offer deep heat for the plantar fascia. Physical therapists can help evaluate lower extremity alignment.
How long should you wear a walking boot for plantar fasciitis?
You’ll know about Does A Walking Boot Help Plantar Fasciitis. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should wear the walking boot for about 7 to 14 days. However, it can still depend on the severity of your foot condition.
What is better, a short or tall walking boot?
Some people with plantar fascia feel more comfortable using tall walking boot since it doesn’t irritate the shin. You can also choose the short walking boot if you are short.
How can you wear walking boots comfortably? (Does A Walking Boot Help Plantar Fasciitis)
The following are some tips for wearing your walking boots comfortably:
1. Use even-up to protect your knee, back, and hip
You can use an even-up device to protect your hip, back, and knee. So, your gait is symmetric, reducing the chance of hip or back pain.
2. Keep your legs even
You should keep your legs even to wear the walking boot comfortably. Most shoes may need a heel lift added to the shoe.
3. Follow the advice of your doctor
You should follow the instructions of your doctor when wearing your walking boot. With this, you can reduce the pain and heal your plantar fasciitis.
4. Use arch support inside your boot to stabilize the foot
It is helpful to use arch support inside your walking boot. It can reduce pain and promote healing.
You can choose a full-length semi-rigid orthotic with enough arch support. Use this to stabilize your foot when wearing your walking boot.
5. Shorten your steps
Some walking boots come with rocker bottoms. So, you can’t step as far as with regular shoes.
With that, you can shorten your stride. It helps to reduce unnecessary stress from the boot’s shape.
6. Use a cane or crutch
If you wear a walking boot for plantar fasciitis, you can use a cane or crutch. It helps to reduce the pressure on your foot.
Keep in mind to use the walking aid on the opposite hand of your injured foot.
7. Do less walking and rest more
It is also better to rest more to allow your foot to heal. Do less walking to reduce the pain and swelling in your foot.
How can you protect your skin as you wear a walking boot?
If you wear a walking boot, you should use a sock liner. It is a comfortable and non-constricting athletic sock that goes to your knee. It also offers skin protection while wearing the walking boot.
How to keep your foot dry if it rains while wearing a walking boot?
You can use a walking boot weather cover to keep your feet dry when it rains. It can cover your foot and boot to keep them warm and dry.
It is also breathable and waterproof. Additionally, it is easy to clean. If you want to know Can You Wear KT Tape To Sleep then read out our guide.
Is a walking boot worth it for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, a walking boot is an excellent investment to treat your plantar fasciitis. It can help to avoid further damage to your foot.
It lessens the pressure on your foot while walking since it promotes immobilization of the affected area.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the walking boot can help with plantar fasciitis. It can prevent further damage; it helps immobilize and let the affected area rest.
Keep in mind that performing your daily activities can put stress and strain on your foot. Your plantar fascia is the area that often suffers from it.
Overworking or overloading this area can lead to tiny tears resulting in heel pain and inflammation. With this, you should wear proper shoes for plantar fasciitis. You can also check our article about plantar fasciitis insoles to support your foot and heal your foot condition.
