Foot problem

[happydog]

Since diagnosis I have lost a lot of weight and my feet have become very thin. As I did not get a foot examination from the DN I decided to pay to see a podiatrist. She says that I have lost the fatty pad under my left foot and that I am literally walking on the bones. She sold me some insoles but when I put them in my shoes they are too tight and it makes my toes sore. She stressed that it is important to try to relieve the pressure on the sole of my left foot. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas about what to do? I am concerned as I get most of my exercise from walking but this may be harmful for my left foot. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[KookyCat]

I have the same problem, caused before my diagnosis by weight loss from a B12 deficiency, and I had a similar struggle with the inserts because they take up too much of the depth of the shoe and make my toes hurt. I found a few ways round it that have worked for me, namely finding shoes with air soles like Hotter, Doc Martens and various brands of trainer because they cushion the under foot (clarks also do air soles in some of their lines), more expensive of course but they do help a lot. I found that a shoe with a slight block heel worked well too but I have no idea why!

I also found some underfoot gel inserts in Boots (their own range) that are not as thick as the inserts I was given so don't make my toes hurt. I was also told about diabetic socks that have gel or something similar built in for sensitive feet but I didn't try those. I wear Birkenstocks a lot, they really support the foot and relieve pressure (they do a softer insole version of their sandals for extra bounce) and they work well for relieving the pressure. Although I'm told some people find them excruciatingly uncomfortable so fair warning there 🙂. Not sure if any of that is helpful but I've found it more comfortable than walking on stones which is what it felt like before.

 

[SimplesL]

Hi

Just picked up this thread, I mentioned pain I had walking to DN & she referred me to podiatrist on NHS.

Last week had insoles provided. I have 1 pair of shoes where they fit into without cramping toes too much & I'm now up to wearing them all day & my pain has gone.

Mine caused by fallen arcxhes which have caused bunions which have got worse but not hopefully bad enough for surgery. I can't remember the name of the firm but when I get home I'll post the details & if you want you can request thier brochure with measuring guide their shoes have removable insoles specifically to accomodate orthotics.

Some of their shoes also have deeper toe space. I have my eye on a pair of flatish black shoes similar to the shoes I live in which do not have enough space to take these insoles aswell as my feet!

Take care
Lynne

 

[Copepod]

I'm very concerned that a podiatrist sold insoles without checking that they suited Happydog. I suggest returning and asking for a refund / change to more suitable insoles. If none are available, it may be necessary to change to different shoes, with more space around toes.

 

[grovesy]

I have found that it is better to have shoes with deeper toe portion, I have found that
Hi- tec walking shoes suit me, for walking. I too also wear birkenstocks, now only buy the soft bed versions.

 

[AlisonM]

I've come down from a size 6e to a 5.5d since my feet seem to have shrunk a bit lately. I mostly wear Clarks or Hush Puppies nowadays as they seem to support and cushion my feet best. I still have plenty padding on my soles, but my feet do seem to be very sensitive so comfy shoes are essential. I had to give up wearing my walking shoes because I can no longer manage the laces, I'm looking for a good pair with velcro fastenings instead.

 

[thelis]

I can only wear shoes that I buy on the internet from Cosy Feet. They have shoes and slippers etc. for all kinds of foot ailments, especially bunions, hammer toes etc. I need lots of toe room and I find these very suitable. Of course you get VAT deducted too.

 

[happydog]

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I'll look into what I can do as I think that it could be a very serious problem for me. What a brilliant forum this is. 🙂

 

[Pine Marten]

I can only wear shoes that I buy on the internet from Cosy Feet. They have shoes and slippers etc. for all kinds of foot ailments, especially bunions, hammer toes etc. I need lots of toe room and I find these very suitable. Of course you get VAT deducted too.

That's interesting, thelis - I've had my bunions done but still have a bit of trouble finding shoes that fit my right foot which is wider than the left (I'm having my little toe's bunionette [cute word 🙂 ] operated on in May), and normally wear one particular style of shoe from Hotter.

Is it VAT free for diabetics then? I'll check the website out 🙂

 

[thelis]

That's interesting, thelis - I've had my bunions done but still have a bit of trouble finding shoes that fit my right foot which is wider than the left (I'm having my little toe's bunionette [cute word 🙂 ] operated on in May), and normally wear one particular style of shoe from Hotter.

Is it VAT free for diabetics then? I'll check the website out 🙂

Hi, Yes VAT is free for diabetics. Make sure you mark diabetes on the bit about VAT. I also believe that they will do odd sizes in shoes, i.e. two different sizes. Hope you find what you are looking for and hope your op in May goes well.

 

[Pine Marten]

Thanks for the info, thelis, I've ordered one pair to see how they suit, which have now been 'shipped' as the email calls it, so I look forward to hopefully comfy feet

 

[HERE TINTIN]

Hi I am jumping on boaed this thread as at the moment I am a bit concerned about my feet. Does anyone here have severe nerve damage to their feet ? I cannot feel any part of my feet and up to past my knees before I have a small amount of sensation. It has been like that for a long time and I have had no serious problems. The nerve damage pain is kept at bay by Gabapentin. But just recently my nail on my two big toes have gone black with bruising and it looks like the nails will come off. My feet feel like they might be sort of hurting but have no recollection of banging them, I do walk into things a lot with my sight problems. I dont seem able to find a pair of shoes that fit either, I am wearing 5's,5.5's and 6's sometimes. Every shop seems different and nobody will measure mt feet and I cannot feel if shoes are comfortable or not. Does anyone else encounter these problems ?