There are a lot of different "aircasts". From your description of putting it in a shoe, it sounds like what you have is the white or clear one that is kind of like an oversized stirrup, may or may not have air bladders that you can adjust to tweak the size and pressure. (picture at: http://www.aircast.com/index.asp/fuseaction/products.detail/cat/1/id/6 )
For people in need of of walking and moving, Aircast makes a "walking" cast that is much larger, kind of like an oversized boot. This comes in short, medium, and tall lengths depending on what needs to be immobilized and why. One does not wear a shoe with it: it has it's own walking base built in to it. (Picture of the short version at: http://www.aircast.com/index.asp/fuseaction/products.detail/cat/2/id/14 )
If your clinician finds it appropriate, this type of device might be a good choice for your trip: wheelchairs and train aisles don't sound like a good mix to me! It might be worth discussing this option at your visit on Thursday and mentioning the need to transit from chair to restroom on a moving train, for many hours....
If you end up with the aircast and they want you to wear socks inside it, I would suggest investing in a couple of pairs of ski or sports socks that do *NOT* have cotton in them. You want "wicking" fabric like polypropylene, or something like "smart wool" brand. {I love smartwool, myself.} This is because at times you can sweat inside the air cast and cotton socks will just hang on to the sweat, getting wet and stinky; performance athletic socks will wick the moisture away, yet will also keep your foot warm when walking outdoors. You want the sock to be taller than the cast, which is why I suggest ski socks, and they are fairly easy to find at this time of year.
Oooh! Almost forgot: if you do end up with a splint, cast, or other such things, it's worth asking your clinician ahead of time about what you should do about any issues that come up while you are out of state. They may be able to give you documentation that could expedite any needful care.
Disclamer: I'm not intending to give you medical advice, but suggestions to bring to your own medical team.
I do have some relevant personal experience with this...I am a volunteer ski patroller, as is my SO and housemate, and I've supported him through a long stint in the large-style AirCast for an on the "job" injury. He's an engineer by trade, and one of the first things he did was rig a cupholder on his crutches so he could "carry" a coffee cup. I've got picture of that somewhere but don't remember how to post 'em on LiveJournal.
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For people in need of of walking and moving, Aircast makes a "walking" cast that is much larger, kind of like an oversized boot. This comes in short, medium, and tall lengths depending on what needs to be immobilized and why. One does not wear a shoe with it: it has it's own walking base built in to it. (Picture of the short version at: http://www.aircast.com/index.asp/fuseaction/products.detail/cat/2/id/14 )
If your clinician finds it appropriate, this type of device might be a good choice for your trip: wheelchairs and train aisles don't sound like a good mix to me! It might be worth discussing this option at your visit on Thursday and mentioning the need to transit from chair to restroom on a moving train, for many hours....
If you end up with the aircast and they want you to wear socks inside it, I would suggest investing in a couple of pairs of ski or sports socks that do *NOT* have cotton in them. You want "wicking" fabric like polypropylene, or something like "smart wool" brand. {I love smartwool, myself.} This is because at times you can sweat inside the air cast and cotton socks will just hang on to the sweat, getting wet and stinky; performance athletic socks will wick the moisture away, yet will also keep your foot warm when walking outdoors. You want the sock to be taller than the cast, which is why I suggest ski socks, and they are fairly easy to find at this time of year.
Oooh! Almost forgot: if you do end up with a splint, cast, or other such things, it's worth asking your clinician ahead of time about what you should do about any issues that come up while you are out of state. They may be able to give you documentation that could expedite any needful care.
Disclamer: I'm not intending to give you medical advice, but suggestions to bring to your own medical team.
I do have some relevant personal experience with this...I am a volunteer ski patroller, as is my SO and housemate, and I've supported him through a long stint in the large-style AirCast for an on the "job" injury. He's an engineer by trade, and one of the first things he did was rig a cupholder on his crutches so he could "carry" a coffee cup. I've got picture of that somewhere but don't remember how to post 'em on LiveJournal.