Achilles tendon rupture treated with VACOped® Boot: boot adjustment guide

Information for patients from the Therapies Department

If you have any questions once you get home, please contact your Achilles clinical specialist physiotherapist on 01227 783065.

When removing your boot, you must keep your toes and ankle pointed down at all times. You may need someone to hold your foot to help you keep your ankle in this position.

Boot fixed at 30°
Boot fixed at 30°

Week 1 to 4: Boot fixed at 30°

You do not need to do anything for the first 4 weeks.

Week 5 and 6: Range of movement 15° to 30°

How do I change it?

  1. Insert the VACOped® Key in the lower “keyhole”.

  2. Turn the key 90° either way. Move the lower fixation three notches down from the previous setting.

  3. Lock it back by turning the key 90°. One notch = 5°.

  1. Insert the VACOped® Key in the lower “keyhole”
    1. Insert the VACOped® Key in the lower “keyhole”
  2. Move the lower fixation three notches down from the previous setting
    2. Move the lower fixation three notches down from the previous setting

Week 7 and 8: Range of movement 0° to 30°, plus flat sole

  1. Using the VACOped® Key, move the lower fixation three notches down from the previous setting
    1. Using the VACOped® Key, move the lower fixation three notches down from the previous setting
  2. Remove the wedge sole, by pressing the “buttons” on both sides
    2. Remove the wedge sole, by pressing the “buttons” on both sides
  3. Adjust the flat sole. You should be able to hear it “click” when in place
    3. Replace with the flat sole. You should hear it “click” twice when in place
other-adjustments-with-labels.jpg
Adjusting the length between the sole and the actual boot

Other adjustments

If you feel the boot is too long or too short, you can adjust the length between the sole and the actual boot.

  1. Remove the sole, this will show the minimum and maximum lines.

  2. Press the button in and hold in, to allow you to adjust the length.

  3. Pull the plastic up to lengthen, push it down to shorten.

  4. Make sure the button clicks into place, so you know it is secure.

Further information

For more information on the VACOped® boot and the exercises you can perform at each stage, please read Achilles tendon rupture treated with VACOped Boot: rehabilitation programme and exercises.

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