I am not yet diagnosed with PsA, but all roads are leading towards that. One of my most painful issues (besides SI joint pain) is moderate/severe pain in both of my feet. I have to wear my custom orthotics at all times and my shoe options have been very limited for the last 2 years. I especially have trouble with shoes when I need to dress nicely.
My physical therapist's office is now selling Orthaheel shoes and they look promising! I haven't been able to try them on yet because I am currently in a walking boot for a torn flexor digitorum brevis tendon. As soon as I am out of it, I plan to check these shoes out. They have built in orthotics and some very stylish choices! Maybe I can actually wear sandals again!
I wear that brand and they work for me. There has been previous discussions in the past about shoes. You can search for them for there are other brands that people have tried. Good luck!!
Hi, pain in my feet were the first symptom of my PsA and I tried all kinds of sandals and shoes. I do have one pair of of orthaheel flip flops. They are ok - extremely casual. I think you just need to find something that is comfortable for you. I'd buy something that you can return if you don't like them.
Also, I still soak my feet in ice water - it greatly reduces the tendon inflammation and pain. And I use a lacrosse ball to roll back and forth under my feet at work or anywhere.
HI Miz Que, I bought these sandals about 2 years ago and love them ! Very comfy for the pain in my feet. I don't know if you will have the same results.
Dr. Andrew Weil Women's Mystic Twin-Buckle Slide Sandal
Thank you for the link! I will also check these out as soon as I am out of the boot.
How long do you soak your feet for in the ice water? I try ice packs, but it really doesn't get the full foot pain I have - just the part that the ice pack touches.
Frances said:
HI Miz Que, I bought these sandals about 2 years ago and love them ! Very comfy for the pain in my feet. I don't know if you will have the same results.
Dr. Andrew Weil Women's Mystic Twin-Buckle Slide Sandal
I have found that the best sandal for me are Birkenstock. They come in many styles now, have open toes for swollen toes, and good arch support. I cried when I had to give all my beautiful heals away....sign...
I have never tried the orthotics brand out. I have a fear of "old lady shoes" but know I an headed that way. I will have to look at this brand.
I have not yet been able to get rid of my beautiful shoes. I keep hoping I will be able to wear them again, but I am trying to accept that it is unlikely. I know your sadness!
Cissy said:
I have found that the best sandal for me are Birkenstock. They come in many styles now, have open toes for swollen toes, and good arch support. I cried when I had to give all my beautiful heals away....sign...
I have never tried the orthotics brand out. I have a fear of "old lady shoes" but know I an headed that way. I will have to look at this brand.
I wear Naot for sandals and Klogs USA for more support. I use Dansko for both but only the styles with a memory foam foot bed. This has been talked about before (who doesn't love shoes!) so you may want to look at past posts. I also follow a site "Barking Dogs Shoes" it is by a woman with RA and the shoes she recommends are wonderful ( I had to buy one this spring that she recommended Gentle Souls- just gorgeous!)
I am going to buy some orthaheel sandals. they have some pretty ones. I hope they make it easier for me to walk. I have read much positive comments for this brand. I have said goodbye to those pretty shoes I cannot wear anymore and accept it. Now I will have new shoes and sandals that I can walk in and be fashionable. They are out there as I have discovered searching online. I hope you find some shoes that work for you.
I am wearing birkenstocks, but not the birk that your grandfather wore. I went on ebay, put my size in, and found a couple I like. I get compliments on a daily basis if you can even believe it. I can wear them with a skirt, to work, around the yard, whatever. And I can slip them which is a bonus when I can't bend over due to back pain and stiffness. I prefer orthotics that I can move from shoe to shoe. I have one in each pair of my tennies, as well as elastic shoelaces so when my fingers hurt, I don't have to tie. Spenco has some nice flip flops, so if you really like that style, I recommend this one. Foot pain sucks, I've had it for over 4 years, and my heart goes out to ya. Also, the icing was mentioned. I freeze water bottles and roll my feet on them while watching tv or at my computer. I think I go about 20 minutes. They start melting, so are self limiting, if you will. Good luck.
I know I am kind of late in this discussion, and I haven't had as severe a problem but love the saucony tennis shoes.
I catch them at the outlet mall or sports store to avoid the sticker shock. They are awesome for the plantar facitis, heel pain associated with the arch unsupported.
I am glad you have found something to help. I am going to check those out and was wondering why we don't have a gadget club where all the favorites are rated. I probably just haven't found it yet!
Maybe someone a bit more tech than me might start a group where people could put their favorites. Must be a ton in this site.
I am starting to wean out of the walking boot so I went ahead and ordered the Orthaheel slippers from my PT. They felt great when I tried them on and should be here on Friday! Then, I will look into getting a few pair to wear with dresses to church.
Dot, I think an area for gadgets that people love is a great idea! Since I have recently begun having more severe pain, I have been searching these boards for any ideas that can help me live a more pain-free life. It would be awesome to be able to go to one specific area instead if searching the entire board.