Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
The walking boot technically a controlled ankle motion (CAM) device has become the default immobilization prescription for a wide range of foot injuries across urgent care and emergency settings, sometimes appropriately and sometimes as a substitution for the fracture-specific imaging and clinical evaluation that should precede it. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, our NYC foot fracture specialists prescribe walking boots as one of several immobilization options for appropriate fracture types, and evaluate every patient in a boot including those prescribed elsewhere to confirm that the boot is the correct treatment for the specific fracture they have and that they understand how to use it correctly.
A walking boot (CAM walker) provides immobilization of the foot and ankle in a rigid or semi-rigid shell that restricts motion, protects the fracture site from bending and torsional forces, and allows protected weight-bearing in fractures where some load is compatible with healing. The walking boot is the appropriate primary immobilization for several common foot fracture categories: non-displaced metatarsal shaft fractures with acceptable alignment; fifth metatarsal tuberosity (avulsion) fractures; non-displaced lesser toe fractures where buddy taping alone is insufficient; and low-risk stress fractures of the second through fourth metatarsals. The walking boot is not appropriate as the sole treatment for: Jones fractures in active patients, where non-weight-bearing or surgical fixation is the evidence-supported management; navicular stress fractures, which require non-weight-bearing rather than protected loading; significantly displaced fractures requiring reduction; or Lisfranc injuries with instability, where walking boot use without surgical fixation leads to progressive midfoot collapse. Patients prescribed a boot without fracture-specific imaging are at risk of being undertreated for fractures in the latter categories.
Walking boot management at Healthy Feet Podiatry includes explicit patient education on compliance, activity modification, and the follow-up imaging schedule required to confirm that the fracture is healing in the boot before it is discontinued. Boot wear duration is fracture-specific: non-displaced metatarsal fractures typically require four to six weeks; fifth metatarsal tuberosity avulsions six to eight weeks; low-risk stress fractures four to six weeks with progressive load increase. Serial X-rays at two-to-four-week intervals document callus formation and maintained alignment. Boot discontinuation is based on radiographic healing confirmation, not symptom resolution alone a fracture that no longer hurts in a boot has been protected by the boot and may not have healed to the point where it can sustain normal footwear loading. Transition out of the boot is graduated, beginning with supported footwear and limiting duration before returning to full unrestricted use. Patients with fractures that are not healing at expected rates in the boot are evaluated for bone stimulator therapy, metabolic bone evaluation, and surgical consultation.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.
Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!
“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.
All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!
Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good 🙏🏿🤩 thanks
Behind every great care experience is a team that truly listens. Our doctors are committed to understanding your needs, delivering personalized treatment, and supporting you every step of your health journey.
Dr. Farah Alani is a New York City foot and ankle surgeon at To Healthy Feet Podiatry, a boutique podiatry practice located in the heart…
Dr. Alison Bell was born in Manhattan and is a Public Health graduate of Charles R. Drew University. She obtained her medical degree from Kent…
Dr. Roxann Clarke is a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science…
Dr. Ricks is a board-certified fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon committed to delivering top-tier foot and ankle care. From New Jersey, she a Bachelor’s in…
As the Chief Operating Officer of To Healthy Feet Podiatry, Tiffany provides leadership to ensure all administrative are producing optimal results. Dr….
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