What are moon Boots?
Moon boots (also known as Controlled Ankle Motion (CAM) boots) are one of the supportive braces our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors use to help manage foot and ankle conditions. These boots are made up of a hard outer plastic shell, and a soft inner padded foam lining for comfort in order to provide a high level of support and stability for the foot and ankle to heal, especially after traumatic injuries.
CAM boots can be especially useful for ankle and toe fractures, stress fractures, tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and even Achilles tendon tears and ruptures.
What are the different types of moon boots?
There are a few different types of CAM boots and the right one really depends on the type of condition that is presenting.
- Short walkers: these walking boots only come up to the middle of the shin, and provide the right stability and support for foot fractures and soft tissue injuries.
- Tall walkers: these walking boots come right up the the knee, and provide the highest amount of support and stability required for ankle fractures and Achilles tendon ruptures.
- Air walkers: these walkers have a special air pump feature which allows air to be inflated inside the boot and provide a good level of compression and increased stabilisation. This can help control swelling and make wearing the boot so much more comfortable!
Different injuries require different types of boots and a tall boot walker provides better stability compared to a short boot walker. On the other hand, a short walker can be less clunky than a tall walker and still provide enough support for some toe fractures and injuries. For extra compression, support, and comfort, air walkers are generally better than non-air walkers and are our preferred CAM boot type at Westpoint Health.
How are moon boots different to casts?
CAM boots and plaster casts can both do the same thing by immobilising the foot to encourage healing, however the biggest advantage of CAM boots is that they can be walked on and taken off. This makes it much easier to shower, clean, and get some early rehabilitation in and minimise ant stiffness and weakness that can result from being immobilised. Our patients also love the fact if the foot gets itchy, they can simply remove it and scratch
How can I get a moon boot?
The best way to get a moon boot is to visit one of our Physiotherapists or Chiropractors at Westpoint Health, who can assess your condition and see whether a boot is required. We stock at least one of each size for both short, tall, and aircast walkers and if we do not have it in stock, we can usually organise one to get there from one of our other clinics, or at worst, the next business day from our suppliers.
People also have the option of visiting the Emergency Department at the local hospitals, but the minimum waiting time to be seen is around 4 hours, you may be asked to come back on another day during a fracture clinic, or you may be placed in a simple cast or standard boot (non aircast walking boot).
What else do I need to know about moon boots?
Once you are in a CAM boot, the height of the boot can make you stand and walk unevenly. To prevent any unnecessary strain to your knees, hips, back, and opposite leg, it is beneficial to wear a high shoe on the opposite leg, use heel wedges, or do preventative stretching and strengthening. This can dramatically reduce any strain on the legs and prevent injuries well before they can even begin.
Bad news for people who have a right sided foot injury, or drive manual cars, because having a boot on your foot means you shouldn't be driving.
If you feel like you would benefit from being fitting with a CAM boot, or would like any other information about them, make a booking with one of our Physiotherapists or Chiropractors today at Westpoint Health by calling us on 02 8662 0496 or booking online.
