My wife, age 70, had an ankle fracture (trimaleolar) treated with operative reduction and fixation with screws and a plate. Her cast came off 6 weeks following surgery, and now a week laater she is using a walking boot. She wishes to progress to ambulation with her shoes and an aircast ankle splint, but swelling of the foot makes it impossible to fit into a shoe. Any suggestions, or is it just a matter of time?