How long do I need a moon boot?
John Thompson
Updated on January 08, 2026
Most CAM boot wearers will most likely need this protective boot for at least 6 weeks so it's important to know how to use it and what to look out for especially for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
How long should you wear a moon boot?
Bear in mind that the moon boot wearing is a short term process (eg up to 6 weeks usually) and is necessary for proper healing. Your Podiatrist can assist you with shoe advice and in shoe wedges to even you up and be more comfortable wearing the boot.When do you stop using a walking boot?
Orthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks.What does wearing a moon boot do?
Ligament & Soft Tissue Injuries: If you have a ligament strain or rupture, the moon boot will prevent excessive movement of the injured ligament, preventing further strain and tearing, and can help you feel more stable on your feet (injured ligaments often cause a feeling of instability).Can you walk normally with a moon boot?
If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash. Regularly perform the exercises below to get your movement back. X Try to stop using the boot and to walk without crutches.Should I Wear My Cast Boot At Night?
Should I keep my walking boot on all day?
You SHOULD keep the boot on while you're laying around the house to prevent bumping the injury and to help the foot heal properly. Listening to your doctor and following the treatment plan will help to get you better and out of the boot faster!Can you get a blood clot from wearing a walking boot?
This is a common and usually normal occurrence after surgery or an injury. It is often due to altered walking, injury or from being in a boot or cast but it can also be due to a blood clot.Is a walking boot better than a cast?
Less skin damage – skin underneath a cast can become raw and painful. The open-air design and lightweight material helps to prevent skin damage when wearing a walking boot. No loud saws used – walking boots can be removed without the use of loud saws. This is helpful for children who may be afraid of the saws.Can you walk on a broken foot with a boot?
Can you walk on a broken foot? For most foot fractures, you will need to avoid full weight bearing for at least six to eight weeks to allow the fracture to heal. During this time, your foot will be placed in a boot or cast and you will need to use crutches or a walker to get around.How tight should your moon boot be?
The straps should be snug enough to prevent slippage on the boot but not tight enough to restrict circulation and cause discomfort. To remove follow these steps in reverse. The boot has a slight heel so try and wear a similar heeled shoe on the other foot to keep your legs balanced.What is the next step after a walking boot?
What comes after wearing a walking boot is where athletic trainers earn their money. The transition from the safety and security of a walking boot to the next phase of returning the athlete to competition is critical. The ankle will need some sort of external ankle brace support because tape alone is not enough.What to expect after walking boot comes off?
After weeks of wearing a cast, your foot is likely to feel a little strange when it comes off. Apart from looking a bit pale and wrinkled, your foot may also be swollen and a bit stiff. But once the cast is off, your foot will feel lighter and easier to manoeuvre.Can I walk on my broken ankle after 6 weeks?
For most people, it's after about two to six weeks although it may be less or more depending on the type and severity of your fracture. It's crucial to adhere to your doctor's orders not to put any weight on your leg too early as walking on a broken ankle too early can prevent it from healing.Can a stress fracture heal without a boot?
A low risk stress fracture will typically heal on its own just fine, and may not even require any time spent in a boot or on crutches.What happens at 6 weeks non weight bearing?
Skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy occur following an extended period of decreased use, including space flight and limb unloading. It is also likely that affected muscles will be susceptible to a re-loading injury when they begin return to earth or weight bearing.Can a walking boot make an injury worse?
In this study, 67% of patients treated with a CAM walker boot for at least 2 weeks reported new or worsened secondary site pain at the time of transition out of the boot.How do you tell if a fracture is healing?
4 Signs Your Fracture Is Healing
- Pain Decreases. No matter how big or small your fracture is, the one thing they all hold in common is the pain you'll experience due to it. ...
- Increased Mobility. ...
- Lack of Bruising. ...
- Swelling Subsides.