Cast, splints or surgical boots are used to control pain and allow the bones and or soft tissues to heal. Casts provide almost total immobilisation, often where there has been a bone break or fracture. Splints and surgical boots are often used to limit, but provide some controlled movement to help the tissues to heal.
Managing a cast, splint or boot
Taking care of your cast, splint or surgical boot
Advice on Achilles Tendon rupture
See our Achilles Tendon rupture patient advice
Soft Cast
Soft (semi-rigid) casts are made of a fibreglass casting material that does not set to a completely rigid state but remains flexible and soft even when completely set.
See our Soft Cast patient advice or a shorter Soft Cast brief overview.
Getting used to your VACOped boot
Frequently asked questions on your VACOped boot
For any problems/issues with the VACOped boot, please contact the Plaster Room during working hours National Treatment Centre (NTC) - Fife Orthopaedics Plaster Room, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy: 01592 643355 Extension: 29794 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm).
Can I shower in the VACOped boot?
Yes, a shower protector can be purchased from: Accessories Archives or purchased from: www.limboproducts.co.uk. Be careful not to slip.
Can I buy a rain cover for my VACOped?
Living in the UK means living with rain, sleet and snow. For extra protection for your boot a rain cover can be purchased that fits over the base of the Boot and offers protection against those wintery downpours available here.
How often should I remove the VACOped boot?
You must not walk on the foot without the boot on, until advised by your healthcare professional. The boot should only be removed by a healthcare professional when the boot angles are being altered. If for any reason the boot does need to be removed e.g. concern about skin/wound irritation or the liner is soiled, then the foot and ankle must be held in a downward (plantigrade) position. Avoid stretching the Achilles tendon, especially in the early weeks post injury. The boot must be reapplied in the same position.
I feel as if I am walking unevenly in my VACOped boot. Can this be minimised?
This is to be expected. There is a built-up sole that can be purchased for the opposite side, which can help alleviate this, the sole is not routinely provided, but can be purchased from: Accessories Archives - OPED UK (oped-uk.com)
Can I wash my VACOped, if so what with?
Yes, simply wipe clean with warm soapy water and then dry off with a towel.
Can I wash my terry liner?
Yes, always remove the white vacuum cushion from the terry liner first. Make sure the zip is closed and then you can wash in your washing machine on 60° cycle.
Why does it feel odd in the arch of my foot?
The feeling in the arch of your foot is due to the vacuum technology forming to the shape of your foot. This means instead of your arch being empty, it is filled with tiny beads that have been vacuumed of air and are now sitting close against your arch. You should get used to this sensation in a couple of days of wearing your boot.
I am left handed can I change the straps round?
Left or right-handed the straps are totally flexible depending on your preference. With a twist and pull motion, the straps and hooks can be removed and simply fitted back onto the boot on the opposite side.
For further guidance, please do not hesitate to give us a call at the Plaster Room.
Can I walk without the sole on?
You should never weight bear without one of the soles attached. Although there are non-slip grips on the base of the boots, this is only for safety at night should you place your foot on the floor when the sole is off. The sole is removable, so should you have to wear the boot permanently for a period of time it can be removed for bed.
Can I buy spare liners for my VACOped?
The VACOped comes with a spare liner, but all accessories and lifestyle items can be purchased online and are available from: oped-uk.
How long will the sole last before I need to replace it?
As a guideline about 12 weeks, which is usually more than enough time before the boot is removed anyway.
What should I do with the VACOped Boot once I am finished with it?
Please return the Boot to your Physiotherapist or the Hospital Plaster Room as some of the component parts can be recycled by the company.
Paediatric information
Information on serial casting
Advice for children and families undergoing serial casting
Information on Toddler’s fracture of the lower leg
How to manage Toddler's fracture of the lower leg
Looking after your baby after an Achilles Tenotomy
Meet our cast care team
Helping you to put a name to a face when you visit the department. Left to right: Stuart, Steven, Bill and Stephen.
Further help and advice
For urgent issues/concerns:
If you have any urgent concerns regarding your condition, please contact the service:
Opening times: 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday, contact the National Treatment Centre - Fife Orthopaedics 01592 643355 Extension 22685.
Urgent Out of the Above Hours advice:
For an urgent problem out of hours please contact NHS 24 on 111 or attend the Accident & Emergency Department.
Emergency advice:
For emergency advice attend the Accident & Emergency Department or dial 999
For non-urgent issues/concerns:
For other non-urgent issues or concerns please contact your Consultant’s Secretary through the NHS Fife Hospital Switchboard 01592 643355.
Useful links
