Controlled Ankle Motion (CAM) boot factsheet
Introduction
A Controlled Ankle Motion (CAM) boot, or "Moon Boot", supports and protects your child’s foot or ankle after injury or surgery. It keeps the area still to help healing.
CAM boots are used for:
- sprains
- fractures
- tendon and ligament injuries.
They can replace plaster casts and are adjustable, removable, and reusable. Your child may also use crutches or a scooter, depending on their injury.
About this equipment
Your child’s CAM boot will be fitted in hospital before you go home to ensure proper support and healing. A poor fit may cause pain or slow recovery.
Staff will show you how to put on and remove the boot. The boot must be worn all day and night, except for showering and skin checks.
Your child’s doctor will advise when to see your local doctor, usually 2 to 3 weeks later, to check healing and make a plan for tapering off the boot.
Fitting the CAM boot at home
You can put a sock or stocking on your child’s foot before the CAM boot to help with comfort and hygiene.
Follow these steps to fit the CAM boot correctly at home:
- make sure your child is sitting down
- undo all the straps and open the boot
- keep the soft liner inside the boot in place
- gently place your child’s foot into the boot, making sure their heel is pushed all the way to the back
- check that the toes do not stick out past the edge of the boot, although they may extend slightly over the soft liner
- place the small pad over your child’s ankle. you can also add extra foam pads under the straps if any spots might rub or feel too tight
- cross over the soft liner and fasten the straps firmly.
The boot should feel snug but not tight.
If your child says it hurts or their foot feels numb or tingly, loosen the straps and recheck the fit.
Tips for wearing the CAM boot:
Here are some helpful tips to keep your child safe and comfortable while wearing the CAM boot:
- use crutches if advised by your child’s doctor or physiotherapist, as they can help take pressure off the injured leg
- avoid sports and physical activities like:
- gym class
- running
- swimming
- climbing on play equipment.
- be careful on stairs; use a lift if one is available.
- give over the counter pain relief if needed
- keep the leg raised when possible to help with swelling and comfort
- make sure your child wears supportive shoes on the other foot to help them walk more evenly.
Care of the equipment
Properly caring for the CAM boot helps your child stay comfortable and safe while they heal. It also helps the boot last longer.
General tips
- keep the boot clean and dry at all times
- make sure the straps are done up firmly but not too tight
- check the boot often to make sure it is not damaged or worn out.
Cleaning the boot
- Outer shell: Wipe the outside of the boot with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Liner: If the liner can be removed, wash it by hand in warm water with mild detergent
- do not use a washing machine or dryer
- let it air dry completely before using it again.
Skin and hygiene tips
- your child should wear a clean, dry sock under the boot to protect their skin and help keep the liner clean
- do not get the boot wet. if your child is showering, remove the boot first or cover it well with a waterproof bag
- check your child’s skin often for redness, blisters, or signs of infection
- when your child is resting, keep their leg raised to help reduce swelling.
When to seek help
See your local doctor as soon as possible if your child has any of these signs:
- very swollen toes
- toes that look blue or white compared to the other foot
- pins and needles, tingling, or burning sensations
- numbness or loss of feeling in the toes
- your child cannot wiggle their toes
- severe or increasing pain that does not get better with pain relief
- your child seems unsettled or distressed.
