Lower Extremity: Multi Podus Boots
These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients prescribed a Multi Podus boot to position and help relieve pressure on their ankle.
Important information: Multi Podus boot purpose and function
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When a child is in bed for a prolonged period, gravity naturally causes the ankle to rest in a toe-pointed-downward position. This is called plantarflexion.
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If the ankle rests in this position for too long, the muscles in the back of the lower leg can become tight and cause their ankle to become stiff. Without active movement or weight bearing this can become worse.
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The Multi Podus boots keep the ankle in a neutral position to preserve range of motion at the ankle to prepare your child to stand and walk again.
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The boot also relieves pressure from the heel and can help to prevent skin breakdown.
Patient instructions:
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Follow the schedule provided by your therapist for the amount of time to wear the Multi Podus boot on each leg.
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Multi Podus boots cannot be used for standing or walking. They should only be worn while your child is in bed or sitting in a chair
Putting on the Multi Podus boot:
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Open the two VELCRO® straps of the boot.
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Place your child's foot on the bottom part of the boot, making sure that the heel is as far back in the boot as possible. Bend your child's knee during this process to improve flexibility.
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Keep the foot and lower leg in place by fastening the straps. You should be able to see your child's heel through the cut out at the back of the boot. The heel should not be touching the black portion of the boot. This position of the heel provides pressure relief.
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The kickstand on the back of the boot can assist with proper positioning of your child's leg in bed. The kickstand should be positioned to the outside of your child's leg while your child is lying on their back, to keep the leg from rolling out to the side.
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Once you remove the boot, check the skin for any signs of redness. If you notice any areas of skin irritation that last for longer than 20 minutes after removing the boot, stop using the boot, show your healthcare team, and call your physical therapist.
Contact your therapist with any questions or concerns.
Reviewed on Friday, January 13, 2023, by Stacey Caviston, PT, DPT