OPED VACOped XELGO Achilles Walking Boot

The OPED VACOped XELGO is an adjustable lower-leg and foot orthosis used for clinician-directed immobilization or controlled movement following an Achilles tendon rupture, fracture, severe ankle sprain or selected foot and ankle surgery.

No. The rigid shell, straps, range-of-motion mechanism and detachable sole system are the same. The main difference is the liner. XELGO replaces the original cloth liner, separate vacuum cushion and hand pump with an adaptive pump-free liner.

No. The adaptive XELGO liner does not require the hand pump used by the original vacuum-style VACOped.

The liner contains adaptive beads within a highly viscous material. When fitted and placed under pressure, the beads settle around the foot and lower leg to create supportive total contact and help distribute pressure.

Yes. The liner uses breathable DryClim material designed to promote airflow and transfer moisture away from the skin.

Yes. OPED confirms that the original vacuum-style VACOped and the VACOped XELGO use the same shell and external components. Remove both the old cloth liner and the separate vacuum cushion before installing a same-size XELGO liner.

No. The old vacuum cushion must be removed completely. The XELGO liner replaces both the original fabric liner and vacuum cushion.

No. The XELGO liner is pump-free. The original VACOped hand pump is not used after the old vacuum cushion has been removed.

Yes. The original VACOped shell, front cover, straps, range-of-motion components and approved detachable soles remain in use. Only the original liner and vacuum cushion are replaced.

Yes. The rocker sole, Achilles wedge sole, straps and range-of-motion hardware are compatible because the standard VACOped shell and external components remain unchanged.

Confirmed retrofit compatibility applies to the standard original VACOped. Contact The Physio Store before ordering a liner for a VACOcast, VACOped Diabetic or VACOcast Diabetic model so that compatibility can be verified.

It may be prescribed for Achilles tendon rupture, ankle fracture, metatarsal fracture, calcaneal fracture, severe ankle sprain, complex ligament injury, ankle replacement, ankle arthrodesis and selected foot or lower-leg injuries.

Yes. It may be prescribed after operative Achilles tendon repair or during selected non-operative Achilles rupture protocols. The wearing schedule, ankle angle and weight-bearing instructions must come from the treating healthcare professional.

Yes. VACOped may be used in selected non-operative Achilles rupture protocols when prescribed and configured by the treating physician, surgeon or physiotherapist.

The ankle system can be adjusted from 15 degrees of dorsiflexion to 30 degrees of plantar flexion in 5-degree increments. It can also be configured as a fixed-position orthosis.

No. Do not change the ankle angle, range-of-motion limiters or sole configuration unless instructed by your physician, surgeon, physiotherapist or orthopaedic professional.

The Achilles wedge sole supports treatment with the ankle in a plantar-flexed position. The rocker walking sole may be introduced when the prescribed ankle position and rehabilitation stage permit a flatter walking position.

OPED directs that the Achilles wedge sole be used when treating an Achilles tendon injury at a fixed position between 15 and 30 degrees of plantar flexion.

No. Never stand or walk in the VACOped shell unless the appropriate OPED detachable sole is securely attached.

The boot includes the VACOped shell and front cover, one adaptive XELGO liner, two non-compressive hygiene socks, one rocker walking sole, one 15-degree Achilles wedge sole and one range-of-motion adjustment key.

Yes. The VACOped XELGO is universal and may be fitted to either the left or right lower leg.

Select Small, Medium or Large using your men’s or women’s shoe size together with calf circumference and overall lower-leg fit.

Small generally fits men’s US shoe sizes 3.5 to 7.5 and women’s US shoe sizes 4.5 to 8.5.

Medium generally fits men’s US shoe sizes 7.5 to 11.5 and women’s US shoe sizes 8.5 to 12.5.

Large generally fits men’s US shoe sizes 11.5 to 15 and women’s US shoe sizes 12.5 to 16.

OPED generally recommends selecting the smaller size at the Small and Medium or Medium and Large boundary when possible. Contact The Physio Store before ordering when sizing is uncertain.

The boot size is marked on the bottom of the detachable sole. A replacement XELGO liner must match the size of the existing VACOped shell.

No. The replacement XELGO liner should be the same size as the VACOped shell. A Small liner fits a Small boot, a Medium liner fits a Medium boot and a Large liner fits a Large boot.

Wear a clean, non-compressive hygiene sock between the skin and the XELGO liner. Wash the socks regularly to help manage perspiration and keep the liner cleaner.

OPED recommends wearing a non-compressive hygiene sock between the skin and the XELGO liner. This helps protect the skin and manage moisture during extended wear.

Yes. Follow the care label supplied with the liner, use mild detergent and allow the liner to air dry completely before reuse.

No. Do not tumble dry, bleach, iron or dry clean the XELGO liner. Allow it to air dry completely away from direct heat.

Showering while wearing the orthosis should only occur with approval from the treating healthcare professional. A suitable waterproof shower cover is generally recommended to keep the boot and liner dry.

Water use requires permission from the treating healthcare professional. A separate liner may be advisable when the orthosis is approved for use in water, and all components must be cleaned and dried thoroughly afterward.

No. OPED states that the VACOped XELGO is not made with natural rubber latex.

No. Do not wear the orthosis directly over an open wound. Wounds must be appropriately dressed and managed according to medical instructions.

Stop using or weight bearing through the boot and contact the treating healthcare professional if numbness, unusual pain, pressure areas, skin breakdown, discolouration or altered sensation develops.

No. VACOped is not designed for running, jumping, fast walking or other dynamic sporting stresses.

A medical walking boot can create a temporary height difference between the booted and non-booted sides. An EVENup shoe lift worn on the opposite shoe may help reduce this discrepancy when approved by the treating professional.

Yes. A prescription is not normally required to purchase the boot. However, a valid prescription may be required for insurance reimbursement or to request applicable tax-exempt processing.