A cam walker is made of a soft boot that is open on the front. The essence of it being open entirely is to allow the user to insert their leg and foot without any difficulties. Once the fractured foot and leg are inside, then the front of the leg is covered by the boot and over the front of foot and then secured with Velcro straps. Two aluminum mechanisms are normally attached to the boot with one being on the twisted ankle. These mechanisms comprises of a vertical bar where at the base is an adjustable joint mechanism. This joint mechanism is normally attached to a solid plastic form which is the sole of the boot.
The joint mechanism is the essential feature of a cam walker. It can be adjusted to any angle so that it immobilizes the ankle. People suffering from an ankle sprain or twisted ankle normally wear a cam walker or night splint so that they can support them while walking. You can also increase the size to allow the ankle to move flexibly.
During dorsiflexion which is the ankle movement where it raises the toes lowering the heels cam walker can be used to control this movement. And as for plantar flexion which involves the ankle movement where the toes are lowered while the heel is raised a cam walker or night splint can be used to control this ankle movement. This helps in allowing a maximum control especially during rehabilitation. Thus the ankle will be completely locked allowing only dorsiflexion or plantar flexion or even both movements.
There are different models of cam walker; standard and air cam walkers are some of them. These models can be either tall or short depending on the type that you want. A cam walker is used in stabilizing broken feet, ankle sprains, and severe fractures. A doctor is the right person to recommend you to use a cam walker or night splint to immobilize your foot as you heal. In cases where your leg has swollen then your physician will tell you to use air cam walker. It has air bladder that allows it to tighten very hard. This allows you to walk comfortably, and also reduces the swelling and the unbearable pain. There are other models of cam walkers available in the stores.
Anyone suffering from Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, heel pain or any other injury associated with the foot should use a night splint. It is the perfect treatment for any foot injury nowadays. If you have a fractured foot or plantar fasciitis then finding a night splint will help you ease the pain. Doctors have always recommended their patients who come to them with complains of having heel spurs, broken feet, and plantar fasciitis to use night splint. Night splints and cam walkers are the most trusted and effective products for treating feet injuries. There are different types of night splints available but the commonly used is the boot night splint. It has a more rigid outer layer and a soft inner layer which is adjustable to any angle.
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