Wearing a walking boot

[Anonymous]

I broke my foot recently, and have to wear a walking boot for 6-8 weeks. I am generally a very active person, both in terms of exercise and also just walking everywhere (shopping, library, restaurants, etc.). I'm supposed to rest my foot as much as possible, and walking in the boot is clunky and slow. I'm feeling kind of depressed at the loss of mobility, temporary though it is. I plan on working on my core and upper body strength during this time, but it's jarring to suddenly become so much more sedentary and homebound than usual. I'm curious to hear how other people have dealt with enforced inactivity--whether a boot, crutches, wheelchair, etc. Any workout recommendations? How did you keep your mood bright during this time? I'm appreciative of any replies or advice I receive.

[Anonymous]

I had to wear a boot for months and felt similarly. Plan to do some fun sedentary stuff, watch shows you’ve been meaning to get to, etc. unfortunately I didn’t heed that advice and I ended up having to wear it for longer than originally
Planned. Don’t be like me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had to wear a boot for months and felt similarly. Plan to do some fun sedentary stuff, watch shows you’ve been meaning to get to, etc. unfortunately I didn’t heed that advice and I ended up having to wear it for longer than originally
Planned. Don’t be like me!

Oh no! Did you walk around too much and prevent yourself from healing?

[Anonymous]

count your lucky stars you didn't have an unexpected foot surgery for no fault of your own. there are many of us in casts and completely non-weight bearing unable to walk for 8 weeks, and then we get lucky like you and graduate to a walking boot for 8 weeks, hopefully. use this to do all the boring projects around your house you've been putting off for years like scanning old photos, going though files, etc.

[Anonymous]

The same thing happened to me. A couple things I realized during my eight weeks in the boot:

1. I walk many places like you and getting fresh air boosts my mental health. Instead of walking to my favorite places, I used that time to sit outside and read or work. Still getting my fresh air and sun but minimizing impact on my foot.

2. Working out is important to me and boosts my mood. I began swimming twice a week since there was no impact. I’d wear my boot to the pool deck, place it on a towel and cover it then wear a supportive water shoe to walk to the edge. It was no more than 3 steps. I equated it to getting into the shower. I’d swim for 30 minutes or so then get out, sit on the side and dry my leg and put the boot back on. Also, I was a terrible swimmer to start and actually made a lot of progress. There are ideas online on how to structure your workout.

3. I also lifted weights at the gym on a bench. Lots of sitting but really worked my arms and core. I couldn’t get into to seated yoga or anything like that. I need something high intensity.

4. Even if you think it’s better, don’t overdo it. I ended up in a boot 3 extra weeks because I thought I was healed and took my boot off more often than I should have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:count your lucky stars you didn't have an unexpected foot surgery for no fault of your own. there are many of us in casts and completely non-weight bearing unable to walk for 8 weeks, and then we get lucky like you and graduate to a walking boot for 8 weeks, hopefully. use this to do all the boring projects around your house you've been putting off for years like scanning old photos, going though files, etc.

I'll politely overlook the pointless jockeying for position of who has it worse and take on board your advice to do boring household projects. I do have some junk drawers to clean out, thank you for the idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The same thing happened to me. A couple things I realized during my eight weeks in the boot:

1. I walk many places like you and getting fresh air boosts my mental health. Instead of walking to my favorite places, I used that time to sit outside and read or work. Still getting my fresh air and sun but minimizing impact on my foot.

2. Working out is important to me and boosts my mood. I began swimming twice a week since there was no impact. I’d wear my boot to the pool deck, place it on a towel and cover it then wear a supportive water shoe to walk to the edge. It was no more than 3 steps. I equated it to getting into the shower. I’d swim for 30 minutes or so then get out, sit on the side and dry my leg and put the boot back on. Also, I was a terrible swimmer to start and actually made a lot of progress. There are ideas online on how to structure your workout.

3. I also lifted weights at the gym on a bench. Lots of sitting but really worked my arms and core. I couldn’t get into to seated yoga or anything like that. I need something high intensity.

4. Even if you think it’s better, don’t overdo it. I ended up in a boot 3 extra weeks because I thought I was healed and took my boot off more often than I should have.

Thank you for the suggestions! I like the idea of sitting outside--I'm right near a park so this is really smart. I wish I had a pool nearby, swimming is really great exercise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:count your lucky stars you didn't have an unexpected foot surgery for no fault of your own. there are many of us in casts and completely non-weight bearing unable to walk for 8 weeks, and then we get lucky like you and graduate to a walking boot for 8 weeks, hopefully. use this to do all the boring projects around your house you've been putting off for years like scanning old photos, going though files, etc.

I'll politely overlook the pointless jockeying for position of who has it worse and take on board your advice to do boring household projects. I do have some junk drawers to clean out, thank you for the idea.

it is your reply that is impolite, be grateful for suggestions to your whiney post. and expecting politeness on DCUM?, adorable!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:count your lucky stars you didn't have an unexpected foot surgery for no fault of your own. there are many of us in casts and completely non-weight bearing unable to walk for 8 weeks, and then we get lucky like you and graduate to a walking boot for 8 weeks, hopefully. use this to do all the boring projects around your house you've been putting off for years like scanning old photos, going though files, etc.

I'll politely overlook the pointless jockeying for position of who has it worse and take on board your advice to do boring household projects. I do have some junk drawers to clean out, thank you for the idea.

it is your reply that is impolite, be grateful for suggestions to your whiney post. and expecting politeness on DCUM?, adorable!

Everyone else managed to post constructive advice, and you’ll note I thanked you for the component of your reply that was helpful. I’ll just assume that you are tired and frustrated due to your injury, and that is what is making you unpleasant. May we both get better soon!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:count your lucky stars you didn't have an unexpected foot surgery for no fault of your own. there are many of us in casts and completely non-weight bearing unable to walk for 8 weeks, and then we get lucky like you and graduate to a walking boot for 8 weeks, hopefully. use this to do all the boring projects around your house you've been putting off for years like scanning old photos, going though files, etc.

Count your lucky stars you’re alive! See how that works?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had to wear a boot for months and felt similarly. Plan to do some fun sedentary stuff, watch shows you’ve been meaning to get to, etc. unfortunately I didn’t heed that advice and I ended up having to wear it for longer than originally
Planned. Don’t be like me!

Yup, I didn’t rest it enough. I had just started a new job and didn’t want to come off as incapable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The same thing happened to me. A couple things I realized during my eight weeks in the boot:

1. I walk many places like you and getting fresh air boosts my mental health. Instead of walking to my favorite places, I used that time to sit outside and read or work. Still getting my fresh air and sun but minimizing impact on my foot.

2. Working out is important to me and boosts my mood. I began swimming twice a week since there was no impact. I’d wear my boot to the pool deck, place it on a towel and cover it then wear a supportive water shoe to walk to the edge. It was no more than 3 steps. I equated it to getting into the shower. I’d swim for 30 minutes or so then get out, sit on the side and dry my leg and put the boot back on. Also, I was a terrible swimmer to start and actually made a lot of progress. There are ideas online on how to structure your workout.

3. I also lifted weights at the gym on a bench. Lots of sitting but really worked my arms and core. I couldn’t get into to seated yoga or anything like that. I need something high intensity.

4. Even if you think it’s better, don’t overdo it. I ended up in a boot 3 extra weeks because I thought I was healed and took my boot off more often than I should have.

Nobody should be swimming with a broken foot, until you are out of the boot. You are trying to keep the bones in one place so they heal. Kicking for swimmers is pretty hard on foot bones in terms of movement. (Even if it is not weight bearing).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The same thing happened to me. A couple things I realized during my eight weeks in the boot:

1. I walk many places like you and getting fresh air boosts my mental health. Instead of walking to my favorite places, I used that time to sit outside and read or work. Still getting my fresh air and sun but minimizing impact on my foot.

2. Working out is important to me and boosts my mood. I began swimming twice a week since there was no impact. I’d wear my boot to the pool deck, place it on a towel and cover it then wear a supportive water shoe to walk to the edge. It was no more than 3 steps. I equated it to getting into the shower. I’d swim for 30 minutes or so then get out, sit on the side and dry my leg and put the boot back on. Also, I was a terrible swimmer to start and actually made a lot of progress. There are ideas online on how to structure your workout.

3. I also lifted weights at the gym on a bench. Lots of sitting but really worked my arms and core. I couldn’t get into to seated yoga or anything like that. I need something high intensity.

4. Even if you think it’s better, don’t overdo it. I ended up in a boot 3 extra weeks because I thought I was healed and took my boot off more often than I should have.

Nobody should be swimming with a broken foot, until you are out of the boot. You are trying to keep the bones in one place so they heal. Kicking for swimmers is pretty hard on foot bones in terms of movement. (Even if it is not weight bearing).

Try water jogging. I did this when I had a stress fracture. I felt absolutely ridiculous but it is a great cardio alternative. All you need is a deep pool and belt.

I still went to the gym and lifted with the boot on. You can also do battle ropes and the bike with a boot on (reclining one is a bit easier) for cardio.

[Anonymous]

I went on YouTube and searched up “workouts in boot” or something like that and found some videos. Although they are probably nothing like the intensity you are used to, it made me feel a little better than staring at the TV while lifting weights. It also helped me make sure I wasn’t doing exercises that would exacerbate the imbalance that naturally develops. After a couple weeks, I was allowed to gently ride a stationary bike, so I did that too.

[Anonymous]

You could get a knee scooter and just work out one leg. I also did a lot of swimming (not actually allowed) with my broken foot. I stabilized the foot with a plantar fasciitis brace, then put on a waterproof boot and did water running. It didn’t seem to affect healing??