Shoes for arthritic feet?

[erincon23]

Hi all -- I was recently diagnosed with severe arthritis in one of my feet and ankle (not really a surprise since I have arthritis and joint problems in most of the rest of me). My doctor suggested New Balance shoes with the steel bar (rocker bottoms), and they have been a LIFESAVER, so much so that I'm only a little nervous about our upcoming trip to WDW (less than 3 weeks away!). When I went in October 2008, I was in horrible pain the whole time, which spurred me to go the doctor and that's when I found out it was arthritis.

OK, so my question! Does anyone know of any other shoes that have a really stiff sole? I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars trying shoes that may or may not work. I looked at some Lands' End shoes today that looked like they had a very stiff sole (don't want my feet to bend near the toes when I walk). Any suggestions are very welcome! Thanks!

- Erin

 

[zumbergc]

You might want to look at the brooks addiction too. Heading to a running store, where you get a little more help from the staff.

You want a running shoe, more cushion in the bottom to help the achy feet. Also, the not bending the foot at the toe area.

Most running store will let you walk around, (or jog) outside and see how they feel on concrete.

Since your having such pain. You may want to consider renting a scooter or a ecv. Since i don't know your age, dpending on if your traveling with someone who can push you. Or if you like your independance, an ecv is better. Here is the thing, you don't have to be in the wheelchair the whole time. Like if your at the MK, just park at the different lands, then walk around, if your feet get tired, use the scooter for half an hour and refresh the feet. Or take it walk for half hour, ride for half hour. If you have the ecv, i would think the person you are with wouldn't care about riding around so you can keep your strength up, they may like the break on their feet.

I had lots of pains in my ankles the first times we went to disney. It wasn't until i started to rent the wheel chair, i realized how much i was missing. Cause if your in pain, it does ruin some of the magic. It is an extra $$$.

Of course icing in the morning and night can help with aches and pains. If it gets to much, first aide does ice packs.

 

[pixie08]

My mom also has severe arthritis and those shoes have been a real lifesaver! Have you checked out Footsmart? they have tons of different shoes for different problems.

 

[DisDreaminMom]

I have same problem you have. I broke my ankle and dislocated it in a bad accident. The dislocation was not set correctly and my entire ankle is out of place. I have been in a lot of pain for a long time. Three days before my trip to WDW in December, I was contemplating bringing my wheelchair because I was afraid I couldn't make the trip. On a whim, I walked into a Foot Solutions store (it's a franchise- they are on the internet, too) and said "Fix it!"

I ended up paying $245 for a pair of Chung Shi shoes. They have a strange look, a very hard sole that is elevated and puts you over your natural center of gravity, and a steel rocker. These shoes have changed my life. I can't say enough about them. My life is completely transformed. I was able to walk through 6 days of park touring with a 75% reduction in my normal pain level. I spent between8 and 11 hours each day walking when we were there. I was swollen in my feet, but just because I wasn't used to walking that much. I even raced the kids down the hall at AKL. My husband was almost in tears. He hasn't seen me go that fast since the day of my accident.

I even called the salesman during the trip and thanked him.

It's now what, four months later, and my ankle feels good if I keep my shoes on all day. I can be normal 95% of the time (though the cold weather still makes the joint painful and stiff). My husband got me a YMCA membership and I went for the first time today and walked a mile on the indoor track and I am not sore now.

Look and see if there is a store near you and at least go try them on. It just might help.

The shoes and available extra insoles might be pricey, but less money than the pain medication I was taking and now I don't consider surgery or amputation anymore. My DH told me the other day that he was very grateful for those shoes because I am a different person when I wear them. I agree.

I have bought every brand of tennis shoe on the market, sometimes buying a new pair of shoes a month. I only wear my Chung Shi shoes now. Never will I go back to regular shoes.