OPED VACOcast Diabetic Offloading Walking Boot

The VACOcast Diabetic is a clinician-directed knee-high offloading orthosis for diabetic foot syndrome, foot ulcerations, Charcot foot, diabetic neuro-osteoarthropathy and selected post-operative conditions such as care after toe or forefoot amputation.

No. The diabetic model has a specialized VACO12 vacuum insert with additional bead volume, a low-friction velour liner, an adaptable foam footbed and a protective toe cover. These components are designed for diabetic foot pressure management and should not be replaced with standard VACOcast components.

Yes, foot ulcer offloading is one of the manufacturer’s listed indications. However, the wound, circulation, sensation, infection status and suitability for weight bearing must first be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

The boot is designed to redistribute plantar pressure and support an appropriate offloading treatment plan. Healing also depends on wound care, circulation, infection control, glucose management, adherence and other medical factors. No offloading device can guarantee healing.

The insert contains thousands of small beads that conform around the foot and lower leg. When air is removed with the fitting pump, the insert holds its moulded shape to create a broad supporting surface and redistribute pressure.

It is not a traditional plaster or fibreglass total contact cast. It is a vacuum-moulded knee-high offloading orthosis designed to provide cast-like stability and total-contact pressure distribution while allowing wound access when used as a removable device.

Yes. A healthcare professional can use OPED’s optional strap-lock accessory to make the orthosis non-removable. The lock is not included with the standard boot and should only be applied as part of a supervised treatment plan.

Only remove the boot according to instructions from the treating healthcare professional. The prescribed wearing schedule depends on the wound, Charcot activity, surgical procedure and overall treatment plan.

Only if weight bearing has been approved. Some patients may require non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing use before progressing. Continue using prescribed crutches, a walker or another mobility aid.

Use calf circumference, ankle circumference, foot width, dressings and swelling in addition to shoe size. Shoe size is only an orientation guide. A healthcare professional should confirm the size whenever possible.

Contact The Physio Store or the treating professional before ordering. OPED’s regional instructions differ on whether to size up or down at a boundary, and deformity, dressings, swelling and calf size may change the appropriate choice.

Yes. Each size can be used on either the left or right foot.

The standard Canadian package sold by The Physio Store includes one boot system, one diabetic VACO12 vacuum insert, one diabetic velour liner, one foam footbed, one toe cover, one removable rocker sole and one fitting pump.

No. The OPED strap lock is an optional clinical accessory. It should only be selected and installed by a healthcare professional who wants to convert the boot into a non-removable offloading device.

No. Use the diabetic-specific velour liner with the diabetic vacuum insert. The standard terry-cloth VACOcast liner is not an equivalent replacement for the diabetic interface.

Yes. The Physio Store sells diabetic-specific replacement velour liners and VACO12 vacuum inserts. Match the replacement component to the Small, Medium or Large boot size.

No. The boot and liner must not be placed directly against an uncovered wound. The wound should be assessed and dressed according to the treating professional’s instructions before the orthosis is applied.

Follow the inspection schedule provided by the wound-care team. Patients with reduced sensation may not feel excessive pressure, rubbing, heat or moisture, so regular visual assessment is especially important.

Contact the treating professional promptly for new redness, discolouration, swelling, drainage, odour, temperature change, numbness, altered sensation, increasing pain, skin breakdown, wound deterioration or a persistent pressure area. Seek urgent care for signs of spreading infection or impaired circulation.

Only if the treating professional has taught you how and has authorized home adjustment. Incorrect bead distribution can create unwanted pressure areas.

Yes. Close the fasteners before washing and follow the supplied user manual. Allow the liner to air-dry completely and do not tumble-dry it or place it directly on a heater.

Do not drive unless a healthcare professional has confirmed that it is safe and you can operate the vehicle normally. A right-sided walking boot is particularly likely to interfere with safe pedal operation.

A knee-high walking boot raises the treated side and can create a temporary leg-length difference. An EVENup worn over the opposite shoe may improve walking symmetry and comfort when approved by the treating professional.

A prescription is not normally required simply to complete the purchase. Professional assessment is strongly recommended, and a prescription may be required for insurance reimbursement or tax-exempt processing.

A non-custom orthopaedic device may qualify for zero-rated GST/HST processing when supplied on the written order of a medical practitioner for the named consumer. Upload the prescription through the product page so The Physio Store can review it before processing the order.

No. Because this is a patient-contact medical orthosis, returns are limited to new, unopened products requested within five days of delivery. Security seals and packaging must remain intact.