Sports Injury Info

Ankle Fracture, Moon Boot Question

by Susan
(Walnut Creek, CA)

I fractured my lateral malleolus fibula while hiking, 3 weeks ago. The doctor at my HMO put me in a moon boot, and said, "let pain be your guide", as to when to put weight on it.

I have been using the crutches, and avoiding putting weight on it, but now feel like I could "stand" the small amount of pain, and try to walk more without crutches.

However, since the moon boot has a high lift, my normal shoes are lower. Will I throw off my gait, if I walk with the difference in height between the two feet?

Do you know how high a heel I would need to make it even with the boot? I would be willing to buy new shoes, if need be, since I was told I would need to be in the boot, to stabilize the ankle for 6-8 weeks.

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Ankle Fracture, Moon Boot Question

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Aug 06, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tennis shoes should be fine...
by: Bart - SII

The size of the heel shouldn't make too much difference - a good pair of tennis shoes will probably be sufficient - I would avoid flip flops or sandals as they don't have much "lift" at all.

Your gait will be altered no matter what type of shoe you wear simply because the boot will not allow your ankle to move through the normal motion of walking.

As you get back to walking, let pain be your guide - you may have some soreness or stiffness in your hip / back as you increase your time on your feet - this is pretty normal but should subside as your body adjusts to the new gait pattern.

Once the boot comes off, it will take a couple weeks to learn to walk again - but after that you should do well.

Bart
Aug 06, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: Susan

Bart,
Thank you for the feedback. I feel reassured. You response is optimistic, and gives me reason to feel encouraged. I appreciate your quick response.
Dec 03, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		fracture boot gait imbalance
by: Anonymous

Fracture boots do cause a significant leg length inequality that can result in back but more commonly hip pain.

Try an Evenup device www.evenupcorp.com to offset the height difference.

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