Ankle braces, splints and walking boots: when and why to use them?
Understanding the role of ankle braces, splints and walking boots
Ankle braces are among the most widely used orthotics to protect and support the healing of the ankle joint. These medical devices provide appropriate support, limit certain painful movements and make it safer to resume walking after an injury.
The ankle brace : Stabilization and sports resumption
It is prescribed to provide flexible or reinforced support, especially in the event of sprains, ligament fragility or chronic pain. It stabilizes the joint while leaving partial mobility, which allows a gradual return to daily activities or sports.
The ankle brace: Support and prevention in everyday life
The ankle brace allows a more rigorous immobilization of the ankle as well as a reduction of oedema, especially thanks to its compressive effect. It is used after trauma or during a post-operative period. It is also indicated for chronic ankle instability, often encountered in athletes after several sprains, as well as in inflammatory or degenerative pathologies such as Achilles tendonitis. In these situations, it limits mechanical stress and provides additional comfort.
The Walking Boot: Immobilization and Mobility 1,2,3
Also known as the "orthopaedic boot", it is reserved for more serious situations, such as fractures, severe sprains or post-operative situations where strict immobilisation is necessary, but where it is still important to maintain the possibility of movement. Indeed, it strictly immobilizes the joint but allows walking thanks to a suitable sole, offering a modern alternative to plaster. It allows mobility and to resume activities more quickly.
There are short or high models, chosen according to the area to be immobilized and the level of stability sought.
How to choose your ankle brac, splint, walking boot ?
The choice of an ankle orthosis depends on several criteria:
The pathology or type of injury : a flexible or compressive ankle brace is sufficient for mild pain, joint discomfort or a return to sport after a small sprain. On the other hand, a semi-rigid ankle brace or a splint is preferable after a moderate to severe sprain, in order to limit lateral movements more strongly. The walking boot will be used after trauma or during a post-operative period.
The level of activity : for daily use or in the office, a discreet and comfortable ankle brace will be preferred. For sports, more technical models, combining support and freedom of movement, are suitable.
Morphology : some models exist in several heights or widths to adapt to the ankle and calf. The right fit is essential to ensure both efficiency and comfort.
Medical advice : in the event of a major injury or persistent pain, the choice of ankle orthosis should always be validated by a doctor or physiotherapist.
Thus, a person suffering from chronic pain may turn to a flexible compression ankle brac, while an athlete in rehabilitation after a severe sprain will need a semi-rigid model that limits risky movements.
How long should you wear an ankle brace or a walking boot?
The duration of use always depends on the pathology and medical advice. An ankle brace can be worn a few days after a small sprain, several weeks in the case of persistent ligament fragility, or occasionally during sports.
The walking boot is generally prescribed for a period of four to eight weeks, depending on the time needed for bone or ligament consolidation.
Instructions for use and maintenance
To be effective, the ankle brace must be the right size and properly adjusted: tight enough to support the ankle, but without cutting off circulation. The walking boot, on the other hand, must be closed evenly, in order to distribute the support over the entire leg and ankle.
In terms of care, the textile ankle braces and the liner of the splints can be machine washed at 30 °C, while the walking boots can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Drying should always be done in the open air, away from heat sources.
Sources:
Shahid, Mohammad Kamran, Shahid Punwar, Caroline Boulind, and Gordon Bannister. 2013. "Aircast Walking Boot and Below-Knee Walking Cast for Avulsion Fractures of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal: A Comparative Cohort Study". Football & Ankle International 34: 75-79. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100712460197.
Amaha, K., Arimoto, T., Saito, M., Tasaki, A., & Tsuji, S. (2016). Shorter recovery can be achieved from using walking boot after operative treatment of an ankle fracture. Asia-Pacific Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Rehabilitation and Technology, 7, 10 - 14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asmart.2016.09.001
Maempel, J., Clement, N., Duckworth, A., Keenan, O., White, T., & Biant, L. (2020). A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Traditional Plaster Cast Rehabilitation With Functional Walking Boot Rehabilitation for Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 48, 2755 - 2764. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546520944905
