Are you worried that your foot pain is a sign you need a moon boot? Moon boots are used by medical professionals to provide additional support to your foot and ankle, allowing you to keep moving as your body recovers. But how do you know when you need to strap your foot into one of these boots? Well, there are five common signs that you might need a moon boot, including injuries that affect your mobility and recovery from certain surgeries. Today, we walk you through these five common reasons to help you decide if you need a moon boot. 

1. You have an injury that affects your mobility 

Most commonly, moon boots are recommended if you have suffered an injury to your foot or ankle and it is impacting your nobility. The injury might make it hard for you to bear weight onto your foot or ankle, or has impacted your ability to walk. To keep you mobile, a moon boot can be used to take the strain off your foot and ankle. The moon boot will be fitted and adjusted according to the injury you are experiencing to allow you to heal while you move around. 

Typically, if you have suffered soft tissue injuries, severe sprains, or ankle fractures that make walking painful or difficult, a moon boot will be recommended. 

2. You have persistent pain and swelling

Persistent swelling or pain in your foot can be a sign that you would benefit from a moon boot. The swelling or pain will typically originate from an injury, and a moon boot can be used to reduce pressure and immobilise the affected area. Doing so allows you to continue moving while the healing process takes place. 

In these situations, your injury will be assessed before a moon boot is fitted to ensure it is the right option for you. 

3. You are recovering from surgery

After some foot and ankle surgeries, a moon boot will be recommended. This will allow you to begin moving around without impacting your recovery. The moon boot will protect your injured area and allow it to heal without you needing to remain in bed for several weeks. 

Moon boots are typically recommended for fracture or tendon repairs, and your doctor will carry out an assessment to ensure this is the right option for your treatment and recovery. 

4. You aren’t able to put weight on your foot

If you are struggling to put weight on your foot or ankle, then a moon boot can be used. If you experience pain when you try to put weight on your foot or are relying on crutches to help you walk, then a moon boot might be recommended. You should seek professional advice first to determine whether the moon boot is the right choice for you. If it is determined that a moon boot could help, one will be prescribed to reduce the load on your injured foot and allow you to continue moving around. The boot can also help manage muscle strength as your body heals. 

5. You have a fracture or a tendon injury

Fractures and tendon injuries can be very painful, and often treatment involves immobilisation. In some cases, a cast is required, but in others, a moon boot can be used. A moon boot allows your foot to be immobilised and provides support, but you can still move around as needed. The boot will help to ensure that your injury heals properly, and a medical professional will need to examine you to ensure it is the right treatment option. 

Common conditions that are treated with a moon boot 

Moon boots have many uses and are mainly used to treat the following conditions and illnesses: 

Soft tissue injuries

Moon boots are used with soft tissue injuries like ligament damage and severe bruising. They will immobilise the injury and manage swelling, helping the tissue to heal without any excessive movements. Moon boots can also help reduce the pain from these injuries too. 

Post-surgery recovery 

Foot or ankle surgery to address fractures, tendon repair, or bunion surgery can be followed with a moon boot to help protect the surgical site and allow the bones and soft tissue to heal properly during the early recovery stages. 

Tendon injuries 

Partial Achilles tendon ruptures and Achilles tendinopathy can be treated with a moon boot. Wearing the moon boot helps to reduce strain on your tendon and alleviate pain. As you continue to move around, the boot will help to speed up the healing process. 

Severe sprains 

Moderate to severe ankle sprains, where ligaments have been torn or overstretched can also benefit from a moon boot. The boot limits motion and offers support while your injury heals.

Fractures 

Moon boots are typically used to treat stable foot and ankle fractures, where they need immobilisation so that the bones can heal properly. Using a moon boot provides this, but it also provides some limited movement to you. It makes it easier for you to move around than a traditional cast would.  

Book an appointment with a podiatrist to get your moon boot today 

If any of the scenarios we have listed above apply to you, then you should seek medical help to see if a moon boot is the right choice for you. You can visit your local podiatrist, like The Feet People, for them to carry out an examination and see if a moon boot is a suitable treatment option. Contact the Feet People to arrange an appointment and see if a moon boot is needed.