The advantages of booties are:

• provide degree of comfort
• protect bony prominences of the foot and ankle
• may offer low level pressure redistribution
• suitable for less active client.

The disadvantages are:

• difficult to keep in place
• dangerous for mobile clients
• often single client use only
• difficult to retain on the ward.

The advantages of podiatry felt padding are:

• total off-loading of a localised area
• adhesive backing ensures the pad remains fixed.

The disadvantages are:

• must be kept dry and is not suitable for high exudate wounds
• not suitable for wounds with undermining, padding may increase wound edge pressure
• application requires time and training.

The advantages of foam wedges are:

• total off-loading of heel for bed-ridden clients
• easily cleaned (if appropriately covered)
• they are large items and are less likely to be lost in linen.

The disadvantages are:

• not often tolerated for prolonged periods of time
• not suitable for active or restless patients
• must be positioned so that the heel is elevated off the underlying surface.

The advantages of leg rolls are:

• total off-loading of heel
• useful for more active and restless clients.

The disadvantages are:

• cannot always obtain heel clearance
• need to be sized appropriately to prevent movement of device.

The advantages of foot orthosis are:

• posterior off-loading of heel
• lightweight and streamlined
• easy to clean
• replaceable foam linings
• reduces risk of calf contracture
• suitable for prevention and management of heel PUs.

The disadvantages are:

• unable to ambulate wearing device
• requires compliant client.

The advantages of PRAFO are:

• off-loading of posterior heel
• reduces the risk of contracture
• indicated for existing PUs
• allows patient to ambulate and progress toward rehabilitation or discharge.

The disadvantages are:

• requires compliant client
• bulky with external strapping
• risk of damage to the other limb
• expensive.