How to Apply an Ankle Air Cast

An ankle air cast is a malleable yet supportive ankle brace that wraps around the ankle to give it support against a sprain or break. An air cast can also be used as support against permanent or chronic ankle instability. The air cast is made up of a stirrup that stretches around the bottom of the foot for extra heel support. Then a flexible fabric bandage stretches around the leg and can be rewrapped for tightness. One important distinction between an air cast and a permanent cast is that the air cast is completely removable and can be taken off before showering or bathing.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your leg, foot and ankle before applying the air cast. This will prevent you from sweating through the air cast or developing an odor.

• 2

  Lift the stirrups under the arch of your foot, between the heel and the ball of the underside of your foot.

• 3

  Press the two stirrups on either side of your lower leg comfortably. Loosen if you feel any pain on your ankle.

• 4

  Wrap the fabric bandage around the stirrups, wrapping tightly enough to provide support but not so tightly as to be painful.

• 5

  Fasten with the metal or plastic fastener that comes with the air cast. Remove the air cast before bathing or showering.