Should I Get A Cast Or Aircast Boot For A Foot Or Ankle Fracture 

Best of luck Jenn! Thanks for watching and subscribing

How did u get on jenn. Exact same circumstances here

How’s it going

I too fractured my ankle on a hike, and my first initial x ray they didnt do correctly so they couldnt see the break, so i was walking on a broken ankle for a whole week until my next x ray that confirmed it was a break not a sprain like they told me. They had me walking on a broken ankle and i was assuming that sprains hurt this bad. Nope they dont. Lol breaks do though. 😂

I'm in a boot with 2 fractures only diagnosed 3 weeks after first xray which they couldn't see the fractures - tho A. I flagged up 'Doubt' - they diagnosed a sprain! I walked on it for 3 weeks. I'm now not weight bearing and 1 week in - in a panic this won't heal!! I'm also alone - - cries!!

Hi Chryseas S. So glad to hear that you are well on the way to recovery. And thank you so much for all of the positive feedback. We do our best. A little information for patients definitely goes a long way. Be well and good luck with the rest of your treatment. And thanks for watching!

Yes we have answered every comment for the last 4 years. Before that we didn’t even know people could leave comments or how to answer them!

You guys are awesome ! Anyways my bone didn’t heal , I don’t know why now I’m in a boot . The doctor said we could do surgery eventually , if I feel like I need it but since I have no pain and I can move it he said I could live a pretty normal life with it broken ? I’m very unsure if he’s pulling my leg .so like I’ve said I have a medial malleolus break ? With a slight displacement ?! What are my other options guys ? He said we can try the boot for another 6-8 weeks and after 6 weeks I can start physical therapy . Although if I feel comfortable with surgery he said we can do that as well . I should have just got surgery when he told me too . What would you guys do in this situation ? I’m still young I want to be active but I also have peroneal nerve damage which caused foot drop but it’s got a lot better still don’t have much feeling with hot and cold water but my motion has got significantly better. Sorry if I repeated anything . Thanks

Hi Glenda. Wow that is a long time. Tibia fractures can be very difficult to heal. Yes sometimes the frames are comfortable despite their appearance. Thanks for sharing and glad to hear you are healed. Thanks for watching.

Hi Vicki. Glad to hear we could help out! Get better and thanks for watching.

Hi Kristine. The warp wall will get you every time. Yeah, the boot can be annoying for patients. Just think, soon enough you will be out of it. Well . . . maybe not soon enough but at some point. Best of luck to you and thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

Glad to hear it Frickin Abe Bilzerian! Good luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

Hii..i have a talus fracture...my cast is just removed..i had a surgery for the same...how long it takes to recover from it.

@@jyotideshpande3593 I’m certainly not a doctor, but the fact you had surgery, obviously states the severity of your injury. Luckily, I did not need surgery and recovered rather quickly. Recovery time really does vary from case to case so it’s hard to say with certainty. My best advice would be follow what your doctor tells you and take it slow. Eventually you’ll be back to normal with proper physio therapy. It will take some time so don’t rush it and stay positive!

@@jyotideshpande3593 same here , Maze pn calcaneus fracture aahe 4 week zaley ,cant bearing wight

it only took u 3 weeks to walk again?

Hi John. You will likely be good at follow up. Nice work! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

@@TalkingWithDocs thank you for the reply, and yes i am subscribed. I did take your advice since I am not getting out a whole lot, and supplementing vitamin D. I have also added calcium, C, and magnesium, while making a protein shake twice a day.

Hi DroneStepMusic. Sorry for delayed response. Hope you got the boot and are well on the way to recovery. Thanks for watching.

Hi enrico. Thanks for sharing your experience. Everyone is a little different just like their injuries. Both work well but you do need to individualize treatment. Thanks for watching.

Hi Deborah. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching

thank you Deborah, i needed that :)

I have crabs

Hi Bobby. Thanks for your input. The height difference and weight are often an issue., We recommend people try using over the counter orthotics both in the non boot shoe to make up some of the height difference. Thanks for watching.

The boot has cause me more problems than not. I now have chronic plantar fasciitis, and had a 6 inch rash from the foam. The boots sucks (listen to your patients).

Hi So Crafty Studio. Congrats on the pregnancy! Yes very annoying even for those without child. Press on and take solace in the fact that you are more than half way there. Good luck and thanks for watching

I hope the baby is giving you joy now and you’re fully recovered. Dealing with a similar injury(minus being pregnant 😅). Fracture in base of 5th metatarsal, was in cast for 4 weeks but got it soaked in water accidentally and had to take it off. Contemplating a short boot for the next 6 weeks until my next appointment. How long did it take you to heal?

Glad it was helpful!

Aircast if you can afford it because you can take it off to wash. Both are effective

Hi Jackie. That is a great idea. We will see what we can work out for that topic. Thanks for watching from Australia. Stay safe.

Thanks!

Ok we will add it to the list! Thanks for watching and subscribing

Lol I have the same fracture and got my boot like 3-4 days ago.

Jeffrey Studios how did you get injured ?! I twisted my foot in self defense class after a kick .

Hi Karia. Thanks so much and good luck to you in your recovery.

And good luck to you too Jeffrey!

I have the same injury and did it a couple of days ago slipping on a chalk path. I’m curious about wearing the boot in bed or not... any ideas as I want this to heal as soon as possible for work and sport!

Why thank you Natasha. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Hi Hunchback. It depends on the type of fracture however if the fracture is severe, we would recommend only taking it off for washing. If the fracture is more mild, you may be able to take it off when sitting or sleeping and only wear it while walking. It is best to discuss with your surgeon. Hope that helped a bit. Thanks for watching.

Good luck Justin!

@@TalkingWithDocs thanks guys, I really appreciate it ! So I did have a PE so I was already on blood thinners and this was from phenomena 6 months ago and I had sever peroneal nerve damage when I woke up from the ICU .it went away so did the clots behind my calf’s, anyhow the nerve damage is still there but the actual motion of my foot has got significantly better , anyways during this healing process about 7 months in I had a medial malleolus fracture that was slightly displaced, I was recommended surgury but I opted for a cast for many reasons. I can walk on it , I still have the cast on , I get it off this Friday 3/24/23 and I’m still making sure I’m moving my foot so I don’t get foot drop again , and it feels fine although the other side of my ankle hurts when I walk with crutches so much because the way the cast is on I assume . After I get a boot for another 4 weeks as planned so let’s see what happens. One question have you ever seen a medial malleolus fracture heal without surgery before ? (With a very slight displacement )? Also a very clean break other then the displacement meaning no done in other areas ? If you could give me yours guys thoughts I’d greatly appreciate it, my doctor is good but I love you guys because it doesn’t seem like you want to push surgery on every single patient and that’s very respectable . I mean I’ve had very serious surgery in my eyes before so I feel like I absolutely needed that surgery this not so much ! Again thank you guys so much this question may help so many people if they see it !!!!!

Cast or boot for 6 weeks are both good

Hi Mrhyperbolic. We agree! Take responsibility and make good decisions. Thanks for watching

I hear you...same thing...sent home from hospital after xray and Doc gave all clear...in soooo much pain...got another xray...fractured...

@@glassfusingstudio It's not easy and you feel like your on your own with no help of what you can & can't do. That's why so many of us are looking around the internet for answers and help. It's a long slow process to heal with this type of injury. Take it easy one day at a time, I hope you get on alright 👍

Hi bald vale and Marlene. So sometimes it can be difficult to see the fractures. Now that you are diagnosed, it will get better with time. Once you are walking the swelling drastically improves. Keep it elevated when you are not up and around. It will throb for sure. Hang in there as most of these injuries do quite well. Thanks for watching and for sharing.

Hi, I fractured the base of my 5th metatarsal right around the time you sent this (life eh😅) Made the mistake of putting weight on the foot in cast, want to go for a boot. How’s yours healing? My doc just told me yesterday to focus on 3 months total recovery time and to not put any weight on it. Have any tips for me?

@@elijahcube7063 hey! Ahah life indeed. Fracture is healing, x-ray was good and they made me take of the boot. I had to do some physical therapy, but to be honest it just takes time and I still limp when I walk although it’s so much better. I went to an osteopath and he fixed the bones I had twisted while falling (they had nothing to do with my fracture. My foot was just stiff, and it’s still dark, but he said within a few weeks I will walk just fine). So I think your doctor is right, it could take up to 3 months. But also my fracture was caused by me twisting my foot. How was yours? Are you still wearing a cast? Wish you a speedy recovery!

That’s a good idea Pete. We can add it to the list! Thanks for watching and subscribing

You are so welcome!

Hi Mills. We try to answer all comments regardless of how old the video is. Usually a short boot for those fractures

Hi Ghislaine. So the swelling will typically take 6-12 months to stop. Best of luck. Thanks for watching.

@@TalkingWithDocs thank you Doctor. My son had appointment today. He has to wear cast for 2 weeks for minor fracture. We need to travel by airline next week. Is it safe to travel with cast on. I talked to doctor, he said to get a splint. Do they have any suggestion. Does it cause swelling? It’s 18 hours in plane travel

So when your ligament stretches, we want your ankle to be held at a 90 degree angle so the ligaments heal at a normal or short length rather than having your toes pointed down and letting it heal longer which would increase the chance of instability. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and subscribing

@@TalkingWithDocs short means tight and long means stretched out, I think I got it thanks. I tried sleeping without a boot one week into it, and woke up half way through the night with throbbing pain and crazy amount of swelling. Had to put the boot back on and kept it on. You could say I've been a good patient :) Thank you for your reply and for informative and humorous vids!

Hi Janet. Sorry to hear this. Usually would not do them together. Fix the ankle. Recover. Then tackle the knee.

Thank-you so much for replying Doctor I realised this as I know you have to be up and walking with a knee replacement which I wouldn't be able to do I love watching your videos by the way so that will keep me busy take care Janet x

Hi Electric Barbarella. For sure. Consider Hoka. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

Very welcome Alida. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Very welcome Phillipe. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

Something similar happened to me. I was having an anxiety attack and blacked out for a bit which caused an inversion ankle sprain. This happens in 5.27.2023 and it's been almost 4 weeks I still can't walk:( The bruising and swelling are gone but standing and trying to walk is so painful. I can't even go to the hospital as I need someone to carry or support me, it's really too painful to walk. I've been wearing bandage, figure of 8 wrap and a boot. I really hope I can walk sooner:(

So obviously the decision to see someone else sooner is up to you. We treat severe sprains and avulsion fractures aggressively with aircast walking boots weight bearing as tolerated and crutches for 5-6 weeks. Wear in bed even for the first week or two. Lots of ice. Best of luck

@@TalkingWithDocs I have anxiety and have learned the dangers of google. I didn’t expect any horror in a RU-vid video, but one said that this fracture cuts off the blood supply to the bone and it starts to rot. I clicked out as quickly as I could, I needed some positive thoughts on this. Obviously there are laws and you simply cannot know from a comment the extent of an injury, no matter how detailed. Is there any advice on “Not all videos are accurate” or maybe “No need to continue searching through other videos”? The whole bone losing blood supply and rotting nearly had me running out the door. I borrowed a walking boot for now. But even before, after day 2-3, the pain was minimal. I have only taken 1 prednisone (I know, but it kept me up almost 2 days) and I took a dose of Tylenol on day 2. That and the gel you have to measure to put on. I feel the bruising is like my teen, it’s just dramatic but harmless.

@@IslanderloverBKK I’m not a doctor and by no means giving medical advice. I’m saying this to be helpful. You are given 1 body. If you’re still in that much pain, I would absolutely look at medical transportation (it’s so widely available), an Uber, something, but I would get that checked out. That’s a long time to still be in that much pain. Don’t neglect your health. 1 body and that’s it. If needed, sell personal items or whatever you can to get you a ride. Anxiety is what caused me to get “jelly feet” for lack of better terms. I’ve only been in a courtroom for sentencing, my attorney urged me to give a victim impact statement despite me having horrid anxiety about speaking to this person. I won’t speak on the subject, but he was sentenced to 90 years in federal prison. Just to give an idea that this was not a great time in my life. Our case had to be separated into 2 trials, one being in federal court and the other is charges by the state. I asked my attorney not to pursue trial since he will be imprisoned for the rest of his life, but it’s a capital offense and they can’t be dropped. That was my first and only time in court. Going to jury duty and my attorney was actually prosecuting the case I was subpoenaed to? When they called my name to go in the juror box, my mind went straight back to that day in 2019. That’s what caused my feet to give out. I was in a state of panic and kept trying to get up and that’s how it took so many hard hits. After 6 hours, they finally picked their jurors and let me go. Believe me when I say I understand anxiety, I’ve been in counseling for years. But we can’t neglect mental or physical health. Please, get something arranged for you. Best wishes!

Good luck Yakin! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

Hi Jaycee C. Yes they can be uncomfortable for sure. You can try to use an over the counter shoe insert for the non boot side to equalize the leg lengths. If it is severely painful getting it checked is worthwhile. Thanks for watching.

Talking With Docs hi docs. Thank you. I kind of got used to the boot but didn’t wear it as much as I should have. Saw the specialist today who was concerned about the amount of fluid all the way up to the knee which is actually more painful than the ankle. Have to have an ultrasound tomorrow to check for a blood clot. Personally I think the fluid build up is because of my own stupidity in not wearing the boot ALL day and not elevating my leg more often. Since seeing the doctor today, I’ve kept my foot up and kept the boot on.

Hi Jaycee C. So yes lower leg swelling can be related to any lower body fracture. It is important to rule out a blood clot and the ultrasound should do it. Wearing the boot is definitely beneficial. Thanks for watching and good luck. Keep us posted.

I broke my 5th metatarsal a couple days ago and today got a tall boot. But it hurts to walk in it. It presses on the injured area with each step. It's very heavy and clunky. It's less pain to wear my very cushy flip flops. I don't know what to do.

Hi Hyinth. It depends on the type of fracture and this should always be discussed with your surgeon but we tell our patients its okay to air the foot out with it elevated on a chair or the couch or something. It is important to keep it dry to prevent skin issues. Good question. Thanks for watching and good luck.

Hi Sam. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

Hi Sooryante. That will depend on the fracture. Moving the anke prevents the bone from being able to heal. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Very nice Barbara. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

Karina Maria sameee😫

Hi Karina and Sophie. These things can certainly drag on. Be sure to immobilize and then do the appropriate physio to help prevent further sprains. Sometimes patients need to wear a brace for support. Good luck and thanks for watching

Talking With Docs I just rolled my other ankle and I heard a snap.. it hurts to flex point and walk is this the same thing

Talking With Docs hi I have a question, I twisted my ankle last Tuesday playing basket ball and have been off school since , I have a boot , do you think I will be able to talk soon . I can put pressure on it with crutches quite a lot

Walk with boot soon ^

Hi Jeffrey. Glad to hear you are doing okay. So there is some debate over cast vs aircast. Both are successful and acceptable treatments and a lot of the decision making is based on the patient, the fracture and the surgeon as well as how the surgery went. The main goal is to protect the repair, allow the bone to heal, and then lots of physio. Good luck to you and thanks for watching

Hi Gabriella. Usually weightbearing in the boot does not affect healing. You may want to elevate at night though. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

Hi Joan. It does sound normal. The vascular system is very dysfunctional when we don’t walk normally and in light of the trauma. It will get better. Good luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Hi Constance. Glad we could help. Thanks for watching.

Hi M Dufresne. Thanks for the kind words. So exercises are often delayed until the 6 week mark. We would let our patients be out of the boot for short periods to ice or just sit on the couch but every surgeon is a bit different. You should probably confirm that. Thanks for sharing your story and best of luck in your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

@@TalkingWithDocs thank you so much for getting back.

Hi Madhuri. Without seeing your xrays or examining you, it is hard to say but typically either option would be fine. Thanks for watching.

Hi Joe. Thanks for watching and please check out our Achilles Tendon video. Our typical protocol for complete rupture includes a cast to start and then an adjustable boot. Hope that helps.

It can be Sooryante. Some patients will have their cast split. Sometimes they will wear an aircast that can be adjusted. Best to go with your doctors advice. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Hi Madesobe. Sorry to hear about your fall. Yes we would agree that most metatarsal fractures do not need surgery and can be adequately treated in a short boot. The splint they are using is also likely adequate. Best of luck during your recovery! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

Hi Jerry. So every fracture is different. Best to talk to your surgeon. Having said that, we typically get people to weight bear as tolerated as soon as pain permits. We let them get rid of the crutches as soon as they feel safe. Best of luck to you! Thanks for watching and subscribing

@@TalkingWithDocs Thank you. 12 days in and I parked my crutches and am walking in the boot. Only from car to house, in the house and a little in the yard. It hurts but no wincing pain, just enough to rattle like a rattle snake. Worst possible time to break foot. This is prime backpacking and mountain biking season in Colorado. A.M. lows there drop to 16 degrees in five more weeks :), and I live in South Texas. Need to go today. What about a specific walking regimen? A certain number of steps, and adding a seep or two every day? I'm fit and at my ideal weight, not obese. Like maybe 100 steps (plus whatever I do in the house) today outside, and 105 tomorrow (pain allowing), 110 the day after? Or is this too much movement of the bone?

Hi John. The short term leg length difference will not cause long term problems. Some patients put over the counter inserts in the non boot foot - maybe even both of the inserts in the same shoe. Getting around sometimes requires crutches or a cane but usually people can manage. It can be awkward for sure but it is important to stay mobile. Good luck and thanks for watching.

Thank you! And, thanks for the tip on staying mobile. I was not told to stay mobile. Just to immobilize that foot!@@TalkingWithDocs

Talking With Docs hi, I was diagnose with a 2mm low grade partial interstitial tear in the Achilles' tendon, should I wear a boot? For how long.?

Ace Muneath my friend did something around there but she wore her boot no matter what.

Hi Ace. Kind of depends on the procedure. If you really wanted a cast they may oblige you. Good luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Hi L. We often offer our patients the same choice. Both cast and boot are acceptable treatments. Good luck over the next couple of weeks. Keep us posted and thanks for watching.

Hi Kelsey. Sorry to hear about your injury. Usually patients should be able to start walking in a cast or boot relatively soon. Best of luck to you and thanks for watching.

Hi Blue Dinero305. Best of luck to you. Most will heal with time. Thanks for watching.

Hi Lana. It is hard to say but you may have a blood clot. You should see your doctor soon to be sure.

Thank you for your reply I will make an appointment with a doctor to have it checked

Hi Liam. This is a discussion that should always be discussed with your treating healthcare professional. Typically we put foot fractures in short boots but some surgeons prefer taller boots depending on the situation. Thanks for watching and good luck.

I had a tall boot because I also pulled tendons

I have something similar right at the base of the 5th metatarsal. My doctors say it’s a Jones fracture although it looks like an avulsion to me. I didn’t know I shouldn’t put any weight in it and kept walking from time to time in my fiberglass cast for first 4 weeks, seems to have made it worse. Doctor told me to focus on recovery time of about 3 months and to not do any weight bearing on it at all. Told I can get an Aircast until my next appointment in 6 weeks. How long did recovery take for you?

Often left forever. We have a hardware removal video

@@TalkingWithDocs thank you

Hi MapleVertigo. It is hard to say. If you doctor told you to put weight on it that will help in your recovery. It is good for the bone and muscles to be stimulated with weightbearing in a controlled fashion. Often 6 weeks to heal the bone and 4-6 weeks to heal the soft tissues after with physio. Good luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

Hi The Naija. So weightbearing is very dependent on the type of fracture, its location and the amount of healing. This is best discussed with your surgeon or whoever who has been following the fracture. Often we will allow weightbearing before the cast comes off. Hope that helps. Best of luck to you during your recovery. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

@@TalkingWithDocs God bless you more doctor. I just turned notifications. You are the BEST!!

Hi LoveShine. Consider a knee scooter rental. As for sleeping some people wrap it with a tensor bandage or soft wrap. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

@@TalkingWithDocs Thanks so much for your response and advice! Thanks for educating through your videos, much appreciated! 👨‍⚕️👨‍⚕️🩺

Hi Sophie. Good luck in the boot. Be careful. Thanks for sharing your story. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

Well most of the hard work has already been done then Donna!

Yes it can be NS. Weight bearing as tolerated. Often with crutches to start and then hopefully nothing. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Hi Mackenzie. So every specialist is different. Depending on the fracture, we often weight bear our fifth metatarsal fractures from the beginning. Every doctor is a bit different though depending on their experience and comfort level. Best for you to be reassessed and have a repeat xray and to let your physician know that you have no pain. Good luck and thanks for watching.

Hi Ricky. You are very welcome. And thanks for watching.

Hi Jasmine. You are very welcome! All patients are different however we typically allow our metatarsal fractures to full weight bear without crutches as long as their pain is under control. Good luck and thanks so much for watching!

It can be slow for sure. We advise people to gradually progress. If you are concerned a follow up with your surgeon is not unreasonable. Good luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

Hi christinegreywolf. Sorry for the delayed response. By now at least you are probably out of the boot? They definitely can be very annoying for some people. Please don't cry. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

Hi Denise. So without seeing the xrays we are unable to comment on specific treatment options. Best to discuss with your treating surgeon. Often with less severe fractures patients can transition to a splint but every case is different. Best of luck to you. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing if you did.

Sorry to hear this. By definition an unstable fracture. Aircast or cast are comparable. Will need weekly X-rays and if it moves need surgery to avoid post traumatic arthritis. Best of luck

@@TalkingWithDocs Thank you, I'm totally ok with keeping a close eye on it and do weekly xray. Did some research online and ordered a VACOped Achilles Injury/Fracture Orthosis Boot tonight with overnight shipping. Scheduling xray for this coming week and bringing boot with me so it can be properly fit by orthopedic surgeon. Hopefully that'll do the trick

Hi Long live the King. If you think it is broken you should really get an X-ray and then likely an aircast. It seems unfair that you can’t go and get an X-ray. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did