air walker

air walker orthosis

Purpose and Indications

Air walker orthoses are prescribed for a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including:

Fractures: Used for stable fractures of the foot or ankle.

Post-Surgery Recovery: Helps in the recovery process after surgeries involving the foot or ankle.

Sprains and Strains: Used to support severe sprains or strains of the ankle.

Tendon Injuries: Assists in the healing of tendon injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis or tears.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Provides support and reduces strain on injured soft tissues.

Ulcers and Wounds: Helps in the offloading and protection of foot ulcers and wounds, particularly in diabetic patients.

Design and Features

Air walker orthoses are designed with several key features to provide optimal support and comfort:

Adjustable Air Cells: These allow the user to inflate or deflate the boot to achieve a customized fit, which helps in reducing swelling and provides a snug, comfortable fit.

Rigid Frame: The hard exterior shell provides protection and stability to the injured area.

Rocker Sole: The sole is designed to promote a natural walking motion and reduce the impact on the foot and ankle.

Velcro Straps: These ensure easy adjustment and secure fastening of the boot.

Padding: Inside padding adds comfort and further supports the injured area.

Benefits

Immobilization: Ensures the affected area is kept stable, which is crucial for proper healing.

Reduced Swelling: The pneumatic feature can help in managing swelling by providing consistent compression.

Comfort: The ability to adjust air pressure makes the boot more comfortable than traditional casts.

Mobility: Allows the patient to remain mobile and weight-bearing to some extent, which can be beneficial for maintaining muscle strength and circulation.

Ease of Use: Can be easily removed for hygiene purposes and dressing changes, which is not possible with traditional casts.