OAPL Ankle Walker User manual

A Guide for Patients
OAPL
ANKLE
WALKER

INTRODUCTION
Consulting Orthotist
Clinic Attended
Date Attended
You have been tted with an OAPL Ankle Walker to control
the alignment and reduce the movement of the bones and
joints in your lower leg and foot.
The OAPL Ankle Walker is available in 2 styles:
1. Standard Ankle Walker with a Foam Liner
2. Air Ankle Walker with an Inateable Liner
Patient’s are usually tted with an ankle walker due to one
of the
following:
• Post operatively due to foot or ankle surgery.
• To restrict movement following soft tissue injuries of the
ankle.
• Fractures and/or Achilles tendon repair or injury.

An ankle walker is designed to immobilise the foot and ankle
in the same way that a below knee plaster cast would.
However, it has the benet of allowing you to put weight on the
limb and can be removed for showering and physiotherapy. As
a general rule the walker should stay on at all times (including
bed), except when showering, unless otherwise instructed by
your specialist or Orthotist.
WEARING YOUR WALKER
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

APPLICATION
Your Orthotist will t the walker to your injured limb. It will
be set up in the ideal position for your injury.
Step 1
Leave the liner attached to the plastic
uprights. Put your leg into the walker
ensuring that your heel is right to the
back and you can feel it contacting
with the bottom.
Step 2
Close the liner rmly around your calf
and across the top of your foot.
Step 3
Fasten the straps.
Begin with the strap over the middle
of your foot closest to the
ankle.
Feed the strap through the “D”
ring and pull it rmly. Use the pads
provided under this to prevent
rubbing.
Step 4
Next, fasten the strap closest to the
ankle.
Followed by the two remaining straps
on the leg.
Ensure that all straps are secured
rmly. They should not cause any
discomfort but need to be rm in
order to immobilise your foot and
ankle.
If you are unsure about how rm they
need to be, get your Orthotist to mark
the straps so that there is no doubt.

APPLICATION
Step 5
Finally, fasten the last strap across the
foot.
If you have an inatable liner model turn
the valve in a clockwise direction and use
the blue button to inate the liner until a
snug t is achieved.
Step 6
To remove the walker:
1. Deate liner (turn valve anti-clockwise
direction).
2. Undo all the straps in any order making sure that you stick
the velcro back on itself. This prevents it from getting tangled
and sticking to everything else (i.e. clothes).
3. Open up the liner down the front of your leg.
4. Open up the liner over the foot.
5. Lift your leg out leaving liner attached to the plastic base
and uprights.
Check with your specialist or orthotist as to how
much weight you can take on the affected side.

You may nd your walker a little bit difcult to walk in at rst
until you get used to it. If you have been using crutches or a
stick you may want to continue to use these for a few days
until you have adjusted.
The heel height of your walker is about the same as a pair of
running shoes It is therefore recommended that you wear a
runner or equivalent on the other foot to try and keep you as
even and balanced as possible.
It is suggested that you wear the walker with a sock so that
the sock rather than the liner of the walker absorbs any
perspiration. This will also keep your toes warm.
Your specialist/doctor will advise as to the length of time that
you will be required to wear the ankle walker.
You should have a review appointment with them in several
weeks time to assess your progress.
WEIGHT
BEARING INSTRUCTIONS

Flemington Clinic
159 Epsom Road
Flemington Victoria 3031
T: 1300 866 275
F: 03 9416 3543
[email protected]
Box Hill Clinic
Epworth Eastern
Suite 5A, Level 2, Arnold Street
Box Hill VIC 3128
T: 1300 866 275
F: 03 97 83 6944
Clayton Clinic
281 Clayton Road
Clayton VIC 3168
T: 1300 866 275
F: 03 9562 9605
[email protected]
Frankston Clinic
346 Nepean Highway
Frankston VIC 3199
T: 1300 866 275
F: 03 9783 6944
Richmond Clinic
Epworth Centre
Lvl 7, Suite 5, 32 Erin St
Richmond VIC 3121
T: 1300 866 275
F: 03 9426 4321
Ringwood Clinic
86 Mt Dandenong Road
Ringwood VIC 3135
T: 1300 866 275
F: 03 9870 9411
[email protected]
Bendigo Clinic
401 - 405 High St Golden
Square VIC 3555
T: 03 5441 4333
F: 03 5441 6555
[email protected]
CONTACT DETAILS

Main Facility and Administration
159 Epsom Road
Flemington Victoria 3031
T: 1300 866 275
F: 03 9416 3543
[email protected]
ACN 006 520 314
ABN 30 006 520 314
www.oapl.com.au
Version 4.09
OAPT0018