Orthotics are designed to help improve a person’s mobility or to prevent a musculoskeletal injury from worsening. For instance, a spinal orthosis has been known to prevent curving spines in up to 80% of the patients who wear them.

Walking boots differ from spinal orthotics, but they work in a similar way. That is, they’re worn for enhancing mobility. While they’re often worn by those who have tendonitis or are recovering from ankle injuries, walking boots can also be worn by those suffering from plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the band of tissue connecting the ankle to the toes becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause a stabbing pain in the foot and makes it difficult to walk. Depending on the patient, the pain may be worse in the morning.

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor arch support or wearing shoes with a lack of general foot support. This condition is often treated with physical therapy or surgery. However, orthotic services and walking boots can also help to improve movement with plantar fasciitis.

Using walking boots for plantar fasciitis

A walking boot not only enhances mobility but can also reduce tension and inflammation of the patient’s tissue, called the plantar fascia. This helps the fascia rest while the patient walks, enabling the tissue to heal. What’s more is that this orthosis can help to reduce pressure on the patient’s heel.

Depending on the patient’s condition and the opinion of the orthotist, a walking boot can be worn for anywhere between one to two weeks at a time. Walking boots Wausau WI offers are available either as tall boots or short boots.

Both the tall and the short boots have the same capabilities. However, many Americans prefer the tall boot to the short one. This is because the shorter boot has been known to cause skin irritation to the shin area.

To take a greater amount of pressure off the plantar fascia tissue, consider additional arch support inside the boot. The support and custom orthotics should create the most comfortable arch possible for your foot.

A walking boot is designed to enhance a patient’s mobility and to help them heal over time. For more information on walking boots and other orthotics to ease your musculoskeletal pain, contact Walkabout Orthotics today for a consultation.