The diabetes Rebound Walker boot: It doesn't work on the shelf: A review of walker boot compliance and correct application amongst patients.

Published Date: 01st February 2025

Publication Authors: Pendlebury. H, Furlong. NJ, Cairns. J, Westall. S, Aung. E, Banerjee. A, Gopalakrishnan. P, Sullivan. H

Conference Abstract

Background: We use the diabetes Rebound Walker boot, with an even-up in our multidisciplinary foot clinic to help offload pressure from the plantar aspect of our patients feet in the presence of plantar ulcerations or Charcot neuroarthropathy as first line for when total contact casting is not appropriate, as this is associated with improved wound healing and better outcomes. How to apply the boot and the reason for its requirement is explained and demonstrated in clinic.
Aim(s): The aim of this study was to assess whether the information provided was sufficient to enable the patient to apply the boot correctly at home and encourage sufficient compliance to allow wound healing.
Method(s): Over a 6-month study period (April 2022-September 2022) patients wearing a boot in clinic completed a questionnaire about their boot wearing habits.
Result(s): Twenty-three patients completed the questionnaire, 40% (n = 9) reported wearing the boot more than 12h a day, 30% (n = 7) wore the boot less than 3h per day. Thirty per cent (n = 7) patients were wearing the boot incorrectly, and 35% (n = 8) were not wearing a contralateral even-up. Seventy per cent (n = 16) of patients had experienced improved ulcer outcomes from application to point of review.
Conclusion(s): There is a large portion of patients incorrectly wearing the boot, making the intervention ineffective and possibility detrimental. In order to improve boot effectiveness, we created a leaflet and poster explaining its importance and application method, alongside a QR code to a video for boot fitting. We plan to re-audit to assess improved compliance and correct application.

Pendlebury, H.; Furlong, N.; Cairns, J.; Westall, S.; Aung, E.; Banerjee, A.; Gopalakrishnan, P.; Sullivan, H. (2025). The diabetes Rebound Walker boot: It doesn't work on the shelf: A review of walker boot compliance and correct application amongst patients. Diabetic Medicine. 42(Supp 1). [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dme.15498 [Accessed 4 February 2026].