Choosing Between Short and Tall Moon Boots
The day started off just fine for Nancy. She was heading to the farm where her horse is kept. She was looking forward to a wonderful day of tending to his needs, a bit of trail riding and meeting up with some of the other riders. Alas that was not what happened.
As Nancy walked towards her horse in an open paddock,she stepped into a pothole and rolled her ankle badly. So badly she had to go to the emergency dept at the local hospital. They took a scan and identified some serious ligament damage in her ankle. They said it would get better after some time but for now it was rest, ice, compression and elevation for the first 48 hours. Then she was advised to buy a Moon Boot and use that for the next 2 weeks.
Navigating the recovery process from an ankle or leg injury can be a daunting experience, particularly when it comes to selecting the right support. Moon boots, or Controlled Ankle Motion (CAM) walkers, are essential for ensuring stability and protection during healing. However, the choice between ankle high (short) and below the knee (long) moon boots can be perplexing. Often a patient is advised to purchase one without much more information. This is where Nancy found herself ….
Choosing the wrong boot could be detrimental to your recovery. The pressure to make an informed decision can add significant stress to an already difficult situation.
Consequently we hope this guide helps to demystify the decision-making process by offering a clear, detailed comparison of ankle high and below the knee moon boots. By understanding their features, benefits, and appropriate applications, you can make an informed choice that best supports your recovery.
To help you along we will also present a selection of premium moon boots, tailored to meet your specific needs. So keep reading the blog till the end and find the right option.
What are Moon Boots?
Moon boots are orthopaedic devices used to immobilise and support the foot and lower leg following injuries such as fractures, sprains, and post-surgery recovery. They are designed to facilitate healing by reducing movement and providing stability. These boots are a critical component in the rehabilitation process, ensuring that the injured area is protected while allowing for some degree of mobility.
Common Uses:
- Fractures
- Post-surgery recovery
- Sprains
- Severe strains
2 sizes of Moon Boots
Ankle High (Short)
Features:
- Ankle high moon boots are lighter in weight, easier to wear and provide targeted support for foot and ankle injuries.
- They are particularly suitable for minor fractures, sprains, and post-surgery recovery.
- These boots are crafted to ensure that patients can maintain a degree of mobility while still receiving the necessary support to aid in their recovery.
- They are highly protective of the lower leg and foot from possible impact.
Benefits:
- The primary benefits of ankle high moon boots include greater mobility and comfort.
- They are easier to put on and take off, making them convenient for daily use.
- These boots are ideal for less severe injuries that do not require extensive immobilisation, allowing patients to continue with their daily activities with minimal disruption.
Below the Knee (Long)
Features:
- Below the knee moon boots provide comprehensive support from the foot to below the knee.
- They are suitable for more severe injuries, including fractures and major sprains, offering better immobilisation and stability.
- These boots are designed to ensure that the injured area is fully protected, reducing the risk of further injury and promoting effective healing.
Benefits:
- The enhanced protection and support offered by below the knee moon boots make them ideal for serious injuries requiring extended immobilisation.
- These boots help to reduce the risk of further injury by restricting movement, ensuring that the injured area remains stable and secure during the recovery process.
Key Differences Between Ankle High Moon Boots and Below the Knee Moon Boots
| Features | Ankle High | Below the Knee |
| Support and Stability | Focuses on the foot and ankle, providing targeted support. These boots are designed to stabilise the lower part of the leg, making them suitable for injuries that do not extend beyond the ankle. | Covers a larger area, offering more stability and comprehensive support. These boots are ideal for injuries that require immobilisation of the entire lower leg, providing a higher level of protection. |
| Mobility | Allows for greater movement, making it suitable for daily activities. Patients can continue with their routine tasks while wearing these boots, as they offer the flexibility needed for mobility. | Restricts movement to ensure proper healing, ideal for severe injuries. These boots are designed to limit motion, ensuring that the injured area remains stable and reducing the risk of further damage. |
| Use Cases | Best for minor injuries and situations where mobility is still required. These boots are perfect for patients who need support but also need to remain active. | Suitable for severe injuries and prolonged recovery periods where extensive immobilisation is necessary. These boots provide the necessary support for more serious injuries, ensuring that the healing process is not compromised. |
Recommended Moon Boots
1. Ossur Moon Boot Regular Walker (Short)
This moon boot provides immobilisation for patients with soft tissue injuries, grade 2 and 3 strains and sprains, and stable fractures. It features a low, wide rocker bottom for a stable, natural gait and shock-absorbing soles for added comfort.
2. Ossur Moon Boot AIR Walker (Short)
This version includes an integrated pneumatic pump system for air pressure adjustment, ensuring a customised fit. It also has a low, wide rocker bottom for stability and shock-absorbing soles for enhanced comfort.
3. Ossur Moon Boot Regular Walker (Tall)
It is similar to the short version but with a taller design for additional support. It provides immobilisation for various lower limb injuries and features a low, wide rocker bottom and shock-absorbing soles.
4. Ossur Moon Boot AIR Walker (Tall)
This tall version also includes an integrated pneumatic pump system for adjustable air pressure. It offers the same stability and comfort features as the short version, with added support from its taller design.
5. Bodyassist Pediatric Walker Boots
Designed specifically for children, these walker boots provide the necessary support and comfort for young patients recovering from lower limb injuries. They are lightweight and easy to use.
6. Evenup Boot Equaliser
This shoe lift solution helps equalise limb length discrepancies caused by wearing an orthotic walking boot. It is simple to apply and remove, with a skid-resistant sole to enhance stability. 1/2″ to 1″ lift to help offset extra height when wearing orthotic walking boots or other apparatus.
7. Darco Body Armour Toe Guard
If you need extra protection around your toes then use this additional accessory made of hard ABS construction and able to withstand accidental toe impact/collision. This secures directly to the front of the boot using a strong adhesive via a backing strip. Its side wings can be moulded to fit any foot size.
Closing Points!
Choosing the right moon boot is crucial for your recovery. Ankle high boots offer more mobility and are great for minor injuries, while below the knee boots provide the extra support needed for more serious conditions. It’s always best to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure you get the right fit for your specific needs.
Ready to find the perfect moon boot? Check out Bodyassist’s wide range of high-quality medical products. Get ready to start your journey as healing starts here only!
