Pulman boots Lightweight temporary footwear

Information for patients

PROUD TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE SHEFFIELD TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST What is a Pulman boot or shoe? A Pulman is a soft adjustable slipper with a strong sole. It has Velcro fastenings. It comes in a shoe version and a boot version.

Why have I been given Pulmans? Pulmans are supplied for the following reasons: • If you have bandages on your feet for a long time and cannot wear normal shoes. • If you have had a lot of swelling for a long time and cannot wear normal shoes. • If you are diabetic and need some footwear to wear in the house instead of soft shop bought slippers.

How do I put on Pulmans? Open the Velcro straps at the front and place your foot into the boot or shoe with your heel right at the back. Bring the sides together and fasten the Velcro one over the other securely. Bring the big flap over the top and fasten at either side. Only adjust the back Velcro strap if necessary to shape around your heel (not all Pulmans have Velcro at the back). You may also have specially made insoles put in the bottom of the Pulman.

When should I wear the Pulmans? If you have been given Pulmans because you cannot currently wear normal shoes you should wear them all the time except when you are in bed. You should not walk without any footwear on as there is a risk you may damage your feet further. The Pulmans are not water proof but the strong soles mean that you can go outside in them. If they have been provided as slippers/house shoes you should wear them whenever you are in the house. When you first receive the

page 2 of 4 Pulmans it is important that you check your feet regularly for the first couple of days to make sure that they do not rub your skin.

How do I look after the Pulmans? The boots can be washed in the washing machine at 30º. Remove any specially made insoles first. To maintain their shape they should be dried on the plastazote feet that they were supplied with. Only wash them when necessary as a lot of washing does eventually make them loose their shape. If you have any problems with the Pulman boots or if they need repairing or replacing please contact the orthotic department.

Tell us what you think Our team is always interested in your comments on the items provided and the service you receive. Please feel free to phone or write to the manager, at the address below, if you wish to give us any feedback. Orthotic Department Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Centre Northern General Hospital, Herries Road Sheffield S5 7AU

• Tel: 0114 271 5807 • Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm

page 3 of 4 Alternative formats can be available on request. Please email: [email protected] © Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2021 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the “Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005” SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Email [email protected]

PD9811-PIL4181 v2 Issue Date: June 2021. Review Date: June 2024