Stuck in a moon boot, why do I still need physiotherapy?

While many people grow to detest the moon boot, they serve a very important role in your healing. The unique shape of the bottom of the boot allows you to walk without having to move the joints. This allows the bones, ligaments and muscles time to heal in a neutral position. The length of time in the boot is dependent on the injury and the tissue’s healing time frames.

If you’re stuck in a boot for the next month, why do you still need physiotherapy? There are several reasons that your physiotherapist may ask to see you while you are still in the boot.

1. Height Difference in footwear. 

You may be finding it hard to find a shoe with a similar height to the moon boot. This can cause a temporary length discrepancy, which in turn can cause knee, hip or back issues. Your physiotherapist can assess if this is an issue, give you a heel wedge to correct it, and fit any compensations that your body made with the leg length changes.

2. Fix any other issues that your injury may have caused.

Often when you have a big injury or pain somewhere, you don’t always notice any other milder issues that you may have. Your physiotherapist can assess the rest of the body for any milder injuries that you may have and work on them now, rather than waiting until the foot or ankle is ready.

3. You need to keep the rest of the leg strength while waiting for the foot/ankle to heal.

You won’t be using your leg as much as you used to. Your physiotherapist can give you modified exercises to help keep the rest of the body strong, without loading up your injury.

4. To have someone to ask if any issues arise.

Often you don’t need to go back and see the specialist or hospital for 4-6 weeks. A lot can happen at that time. Knowing that you can contact your physiotherapist for advice can be reassuring, and if you need urgent treatment then you are likely to get it addressed sooner.

The next time you find yourself in a moon boot, give our friendly administration team a call. We can book you in to assess your situation and give you appropriate exercises for your injury.