Corrective boots and bar

Why does my child need to wear boots and bar?

The boots and bar are essential to help your child’s feet develop correctly. The boots and bar continue the work started by the corrective casts.

How do the boots and bar work?

The boots work by turning your child’s feet out. This position discourages the foot from relapsing and turning back in whilst the foot grows. The position may look excessively turned out, but do not be concerned as this is how it should be.

How should the boots and bars be put on?

We advise you put the boots on first before attaching the bar.

How put the boot on

The ankle strap, buckle and laces must be fully loosened to allow your child’s foot to be placed easily into the bottom of the boot. Generally, the buckle should be worn on the inside of the boot to make it easier to get access to it because the child’s feet are pointing outwards.

It is important that:

• The child’s heel should be back and down in the boot
• Hold the child’s heel in place and fasten the middle heel strap firmly as demonstrated by the Orthotist
• If the boots have laces, tighten the laces from the bottom of the boot first and work your way up the boot, making sure that the toes are not squashed or curled under. When the laces are tight, check that the ankle strap is still firmly fastened. It may need tightening further as demonstrated by the Orthotist
• If the style of boots does not have laces and has 3 buckle straps, the middle strap should be tightest and the top and bottom just secure but not too tight
• Check the heel position through the hole at the heel, if the heel is lifting off the base the ankle strap needs to be tightened

How attach the boots to the bar

Slide the connector on the base of the footplate into the groove of attachment point on the bar. Normally, the affected foot will be turned out at a 60 to 70  degree angle and the unaffected foot will be turned out at a 45 degree angle.

Should socks be worn?

Socks should be worn. Higher cotton content socks will wick away sweat more effectively. The socks should be plain and not too big that they wrinkle and crease as this may cause rubs on the skin. The socks can have small grips underneath if this helps to stop the child slipping out of the boots more effectively, but some parents prefer socks without grips.

How long are the boots and bars worn?

The boots should be worn for 23 hours per day for first 12 weeks, then between 12 to 14 hours when in the night and nap phase.

Regular checks should be made to make sure that the feet stay correctly positioned inside the boot as demonstrated by the Orthotist.

When will my child stop wearing the boots and bars?

The boots and bars are normally worn all day and all night for a minimum of 12 weeks. After this, it will be night and nap times up to a period of 4 years.

Your child’s consultant will decide this. It is dependent on how well your child’s feet are developing.

It is vital to follow the advice of your consultant regarding the wearing of boots and bar.

What should I do if my child has any problems with wearing the boots and bar?

When you remove the boots, you should check your child’s feet regularly every day for any signs of pressure. This includes marking, heat, and swelling. If you see any issues, please remove the boots and contact Orthotics immediately for advice.

Your Orthotic follow-ups are important to make sure your child has the best fit and control:

• 2 weeks:
• 6 weeks: (alongside clinic)
• 12 weeks: (alongside clinic)
• 6 months: (alongside clinic)

Then as and when appropriate depending on growth.

If your child does not wear the boots and bar as instructed, the correction will have a 90 percent chance of failing before the age of 2.