What is an Aircast Boot?

An Aircast boot is a brand-name pneumatic walking brace used after surgery or injury to the lower leg or foot. The air cells in the brace are adjusted by the patient for a custom fit within a strong plastic shell. The support and stability offered by an Aircast boot allows patients to gradually increase weight-bearing activity on their injured leg as it heals. Aircast walking braces come in multiple sizes and designs for different applications.

Function

An Aircast boot is a leg splint used after surgery or injury, often between a full hard cast and walking independently. It provides support using adjustable air cells and foam in a hard plastic shell. The boot allows limited movement and some weight-bearing exercise of the injured leg during recovery from a fracture or surgery. It is also used to manage edema.

Types

Aircast manufactures a wide range of products for different body parts and injuries. However, the Aircast boot refers to their walking braces. These walking braces vary in height, from an ankle boot to knee-high braces. The XP Walker and FP Walker braces are knee-height, have a full shell for protection and are used for fracture healing and managing edema. The XP Walker Diabetic System is specifically designed to minimize pressure points in the XP Walker boot. The SP Walker is a shorter walking brace, which can also be used for healing after surgery.

Features

Aircast boots feature pneumatic air cells for support. These cells are adjusted by the patient using a small bulb pump that connects to the brace. Plastic shields on the boot maintain the leg, ankle and foot at a constant angle, and protect it from bumps and bruises. Foam inside the brace cushions and protects the ankle. The sole of the Aircast boot is rigid and non-skid to help the patient safely practice weight-bearing walking on the healing leg. The entire boot is held in place with adjustable hook and loop straps.

Benefits

Aircast boots help patients gradually gain strength and movement after an injury or surgery. They provide support and stability, as well as a custom fit throughout the healing process. Some patients may be able to use the walking brace without the assistance of a crutch, allowing them use of both hands. The shields protect the injury from any accidental damage, preventing painful setbacks to recovery. Aircast boots can also be easily removed for bathing or to allow the leg access to fresh air.

Considerations

A doctor's referral is required to purchase an Aircast boot. Because they are intended for medical use, it is important that the patient be under a physician's care and taught how to safely use the Aircast boot before attempting to use the brace on an injured leg or foot. Failure to understand and use the boot correctly could result in further injury.