VACOped Achilles Tendon Rupture Fracture Boot

Rarely do I find it necessary to make reviews on pretty much anything. If I'm extremely happy with the product, I usually just move on and I'm happy with my purchase. But for an injury such a severe as this I figured I'd share my story about 40 days in now, I hope I can edit/update it when no more boot is needed. I fully ruptured my Achilles tendon June 4th, I did research on this boot pretty much two or three days into this injury after receiving the normal black air cast the hospital gives. I decided to make the purchase of this boot and received it about a week in. Now with this injury my foot was swollen the first few days pretty severe and obviously non-weightbearing. When I first received the boot I didn't really realize how much different it was, it almost Felt uncomfortable possibly because my foot was so swollen and when I vacuum sealed the liner it hit pressure points that just was not comfortable. After about 2 or 3 days I got used to that and my foot stopped swelling. So during the non-weight bearing phase it definitely felt more safe and secure which is extremely important to me with this injury, but outside of that (which is huge) because I was non-weight-bearing and unable to even put a little bit of weight on it didn't notice anything else. And if that's all it did was make my foot feel more protected worth the money for me. It does so much more than just feel more protective I believe the liner is incredible for it, I am in the partial weight bearing phase now, but before this I can only put 25 to 50% of weight on it and this boot is an absolute game changer without any doubt. From the giant rolling soul that you put on to the ankle adjustment movement which my protocol calls for starting in the locked position all the way up 30° and then the next two weeks dropping to 20°And then to 10° so on and so forth whatever your protocol calls for. This boot gives me so much confidence (do not overdo it I do not) and I believe just wearing it while my ankle can rotate whichever degrees you're set on is therapy in itself. I am extremely happy with this boot. I'll detail the short pros and cons, but the moral of this story I would 1,000% purchase this again or recommend anybody with this injury to buy this. I mean when I put the air cast boot on from the hospital it doesn't even feel like it does the same not even close, that being said there is a con to this vacoped. I still use the black aircast boot the hospital gave me to go in and out of the shower, and with my iwalk. Pros: feeling of security/comfort/safe in it. *It is more comfortable *Adjustment of the ankle degrees *Does not dirty my white duvet cover in my bed when I take the soul off *I believe it's therapeutic wearing it and just rolling your ankle in it in the beginning when you're allowed ankle movement partial weight *It is extremely well made (I am 6'3 225 lb *6'5 with boot and evenup 😆😅😂 I use things heavily lol) Cons: *Because of the nipple on the fabric liner that you squeeze air out of, it's located on the front of the shin. The only con that I can think of is that it does not pair well with my iwalk 3.0 (pegleg) because of that nipple being on the front of the shin. All that being said I'm glad I still have the black air cast for getting in and out of the shower (can totally do it with the vacoped but I like to use my iWalk for the showers). When I'm around the house doing cleaning or laundry or anything house related like this I wear the black aircast from the hospital paired with my iWalk 3.0. VacoPed is worth its weight in gold. Tomorrow is week 11 post injury non surgery. I have been rehabbing my foot myself currently I am out of the boot in the house and out of the house (very careful outside of the house). I bought a pair of Brooks running shoes because they have a very high heel toe drop.. Reiterating how effective the Vaco Ped is and has been I believe is important to share. And I keep it simple. It has been extremely effective and I just wore it yesterday or the day before when I had to leave the house for several hours. Didn't wear the entire time but it's my go-to boot when I need to. It's an absolute game changer for this injury and if you're on the fence about it Just buy it I believe there's some kind of return policy if you don't like it, if it's uncomfortable for the first couple of days trust me just stick with it loosen the straps if you need to a little bit it will pass that pain / uncomfortableness will pass. I hope my experience helps another in need. I still feel the same about the boot it's worth it's weight gold!

Way more comfortable than the one the orthopedic surgeon had provided and supposedly does a better job of healing. I used mine for an Achilles tendon rupture (8 cm gap) non op. Was in this boot for about 8 weeks.

I ruptured my Achilles tendon. Initially, they put on a cast, which had the advantage of being lightweight and not so bulky that I couldn’t get my pants on and off. I’ve been pretty mobile, using both crutches, and my new favorite transport—a knee scooter. I’ve only been using the VasoPed for one day, to replace the cast I started with. The design, overall, I think is brilliant. It’s much more comfortable than the cast, and my doctor assures me that I’ll heal faster with this than with a cast. One minor gripe, and one more important one. The minor gripe is that it’s very big and heavy. So, I can’t get pants on or off (even wide-legged painters pants) without taking off the boot, which my doctor said not to do. I’ll have to get a zipper installed on my one pants leg. And, when I’m on crutches it’s putting much more strain on my muscles keeping that leg off the ground than the lighter weight cast did. The more important gripe is that the VasoPed system involves creating a vacuum inside the lining. To accomplish this they supply a built-in air valve. Here’s the dumb part. They put the air valve right near the top in the middle, lined up with my shin. That means that there’s no way to use my knee scooter without risking crushing/breaking the valve stem. Presumably, the manufacturer could have put the valve stem off to one side, instead at no additional cost. So, now, I’m forced to give up my favorite assistive device, or figure out some way to protect the valve stem so that I can use the scooter. I consider this a bad design flaw in an otherwise terrific product.

This VacoPED boot is worth the cost. It's specialized positioning for ruptured achilles worked wonders for my son when used properly. The kit comes with everything thing needed.

I didn’t start at the traditional flexed position of 30 degrees as per my situation. But I will say the time that I have had it, I’ve seen tremendous strides toward rehabbing my Achilles. The fact that you’re able to simulate the movement inside the boot of walking helps wake your muscles back up, opposed to a std wedge where u just feel like like your walking on your toes. I started at a 10 degree angle after quite some time in a hard cast, and adjust the back portion for positive angle so I don’t go past the 10 degree mark. I will say, if you’re buying this because you think it’ll be more comfortable than ur regular trauma boot. I would say you’re 25% right. I don’t think there will ever be a “comfortable” trauma boot. But it’s slightly better than the traditional Air Cast style. I think advertising the sizes could be a tad better in regards to calf size. I got a medium, based on recommendation but my calf is def smaller than the boot wool allows and wouldn’t Velcro shut. Ended up stitching some extra Velcro myself and problem solved, but I think the small would’ve been ideal if I had known. Overall I think it’s a very innovative product that WILL help in your Achilles recovery. A tad pricey, but have you ever seen the price of a trauma knee brace🤢. comparatively if you have the money, or insurance to purchase this, do it. Update: 11-19-23 shoutout to the company for updating the calf sizes on their page. I read another review saying he couldn’t use a knee scooter, but I def had no problem using a knee scooter with mine. In fact I’ve let 2 other people use my boot and have had no issues after extended amount of hours of me using a knee scooter about a year and a half ago. Thanks for making a well built product!

I am now 6 weeks post Achilles-repair surgery and have been wearing this boot since my soft cast was removed at 2 weeks post surgery. I have been approved to do 25% weight-bearing exercises in PT and the function to adjust the foot angle has been very helpful. Surgeon anticipates I will be able to transition to a shoe with heel lifts at the 10 week mark. Overall, this device has aided in m recovery. DESIGN ISSUE: The air-valve for this device sits at the top of my shin, about 5-6 inches below my knee. I have to use the mobility cart to get around for work (Knee Rover), and the air valve is positioned exactly where my leg sits on the cart cushion. This is extremely uncomfortable and leaves bruises in that area. Developers/designers need to consider moving the valve to the side of the device so that both items can comfortably be used together. COST: This device is really sturdy, but I don't believe it is $300 worth of sturdy. I would recommend a price point closer to $200 to reflect the value vs getting the cheaper options.

I tore my achilles for the second time and boy did I wish I got this the first time. Decided to pull the trigger after tearing it again and this was the best investment I ever made for myself. I’ll be honest, I hate heel wedges. The fact it’s adjustable to the angle is a game changer as I slowly get my foot back into normal position and weight bear. It’s comfortable. If something breaks you can purchase new parts or liners for this and not have to buy a whole new boot. It’s lightweight and durable. I love this thing!

Regardless of whether you get surgery or not for a torn achilles, this boot will make your life and your rehab much better and easier. It will save you many trips back to your Orthopod to have heel lifts removed, and is worth it for that alone as you will save hours of appointmemts, waiting and driving. The most significant benefit is it allows for full range of motion through an adjustable arc as you begin weight bearing inside the boot. With traditional heel lifts you are locked into 30°, 25°, 20° plantarflexed fixed positions. With this boot, you can asjust to any upper and lower position. So in the week you are cleared to go to a 5° lift by your doctor, you can have this boot arc between 30° and 5° range of motion. This is the difference between simulating true walking or having a club foot and your body will thank you. There are many other benefits including the ability to swim and bathe in this boot. If you are going non-surgical when you are cleared for weight bearing in boot, you can actually shower on two feet in this boot and just buy an extra liner - after a few weeks of showering on one leg, you will be so happy. IMPORTANT: If you go surgical, get clearance from your surgeon first before wetting the area! This boot has been available in other countries for over a decade but only in the United States since 2017. Hence, the limited number of reviews and recognition by virtually all Doctors and therapists at this time. Do not let the number of reviews or lack of general acceptance fool you. This boot will change your life. It is the best money I spent since my injury and I can recommemd it without reservation. Do your research on youtube and the companies website and you will see why. Best wishes for a full recovery.