Foam Walker

The Foam Walker, also known as a Roboboot, is a product manufactured by AirCast which provides semi-pneumatic support for the foot and ankle to prevent motion and aid healing of bone fractures and edema. It was designed specifically for foot and ankle injuries and performs the same function as a standard orthopaedic walking cast, with the added benefits of customised adjustment and support, and capability for easy removal.

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Design and Use

The boot is held together by three straps which can be adjusted for comfort. The shell of the boot is rigid plastic and protects the foot from external injury, while the foam lining provides support and immobilisation of the injured foot. Two foam-filled aircells behind the lining along the back of the boot provide support for the foot and can be inflated or deflated to a comfortable level through the use of a dual-tipped rubber bulb provided with the product. The instruction manual for the Foam Walker suggests a greater level of inflation when walking, for improved support, and a lesser level of inflation when sitting or lying down, for comfort. Inflation should be begun from the aircell on the inside of the leg first, and both sides should be inflated equally when the boot is in use.

When to Use

The Foam Walker is usually prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing a foot or ankle injury through the use of an X-ray, when partial weight can be borne by the injury without further damage. The most common conditions for which this product is intended are ankle sprains, ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc joint injuries.

Sizing Information

The Foam Walker is available in four sizes - small, medium, large and extra-large - based on a person's shoe size.

Special boots for wide feet are also available for each boot size.

Considerations

If the aircells are overinflated, the boot can create enough pressure to cut off circulation. For this reason, the boot should not be inflated to an uncomfortable level. The Foam Walker can be placed and adjusted by another person where someone's physical mobility is limited, but it is not intended for use with persons incapable of communicating physical discomfort.