Any tips for walking on flat surfaces

sharmaine

Hi everyone

Flat surfaces kill me especially whilst out shopping. How do other sufferers with OA in the knees cope? Do you wear special shoes/insoles. Let me know because I need to shop - I've been held captive by dodgy knees for too long. Now that I have a strong knee I want to get out and about more.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Have a great day.

Sharmaine

Starburst

I don't have OA or any knee problems but a good pair of shoes will help immensely. I don't know if you've heard of MBT trainers but I got a pair and they are amazing. They are pricey though but worth it!

elnafinn

Just like walking on air, when you get used to MBT's, which does not take long, aye, Princess?

Elna x

only49

sharmaine wrote:

Hi everyone

Flat surfaces kill me especially whilst out shopping. How do other sufferers with OA in the knees cope? Do you wear special shoes/insoles. Let me know because I need to shop - I've been held captive by dodgy knees for too long. Now that I have a strong knee I want to get out and about more.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Have a great day.

Sharmaine

hi i'm the opposite the stairs and distances and steep stairs and soft ground, ie walking on grass with moss growing in it, I got OA in both knees. i have also noticed that the heals of my trainers get worn down unevenly dont know why.

i also where tube-grip on my knees and also knee supports the kind you can athletic people can use that sort of helps

kathbee

Hi Sharmaine

Glad to hear you are wanting to get out and about
after your knee op.

I am the opposite to you, I can manage the level a bit
but cant do slopes very well.

The rheumy sent me to the podiatry clinic and I had
some insoles made which have raisers under the heels
maybe something like that would help a bit. Unfortunately
they dont help me cos I have Ra in my feet as well as knees
and they kinda draw my feet, not good.

Hope you get to do some shoppin' or at least window
shoppin'.

Love Kath

speedalong

Hi Sharmaine - try and get some shoes with good springy, cushioned soles - more expensive but worth it. A lot of the flatter and more casual shoes these days seem to have support built into the shoe lining - so take your time and get down to trying them on. Don't buy any until you are sure.

Glad you are feeling like a bit of retail therapy and that you are on the mend.

I find the standing still in queues the worst thing of all. However much I shift my wait around and stand on one leg and lean on anything nearby - its agony.

Speedalong

speedalong

Princess - are those the ones with soles that kind of rock/tip as you run/walk?? Please enlighten me?
They don't make you ache more?

Speedalong

speedalong

Only49 -

you should definitely ask for a referral to an orthotist/podiatrist -if you are wearing your shoes out unevenly you must have an altered gait and they may well be able to help improve the way you walk and use your feet that inturn may improve your mobility.

No harm in asking.

Speedalong

only49

speedalong wrote:

Only49 -

you should definitely ask for a referral to an orthotist/podiatrist -if you are wearing your shoes out unevenly you must have an altered gait and they may well be able to help improve the way you walk and use your feet that inturn may improve your mobility.

No harm in asking.

Speedalong

thanks speedalong definitely do that

dorcas

Hi Sharmaine,

I have PA in my knees and feet and recently asked the good peeps here about what shoes would help. I got lots of good suggestions.

After writing down the list of different types I went to a specialist shoe shop and tried various ones. I found Fly Flot shoes suited my feet best and bought 2 pairs of the same type but different colours!

Now I know what suits me (and what fits) I've been on the net and have found a website where I can get fly flots a good deal cheaper....so that's something to keep in mind once you find what you're looking for.

happy hunting ! and happy feet!

Iris x

sharmaine

Hi Princess

Thanks so much for this advice - definitely going to get a pair. I feel as if I've been imprisoned and I need to get out and about. The town centre must be missing my custom!!

Sharmaine

quote="princess01"]I don't have OA or any knee problems but a good pair of shoes will help immensely. I don't know if you've heard of MBT trainers but I got a pair and they are amazing. They are pricey though but worth it![/quote]

sharmaine

Thanks Iris

I've lived and died in my Ecco shoes and I'm fed up with looking at them. They don't help when I'm out shopping. I'll do some research on these.

Thanks so much for the tip!

Sharmaine

dorcas wrote:

Hi Sharmaine,

I have PA in my knees and feet and recently asked the good peeps here about what shoes would help. I got lots of good suggestions.

After writing down the list of different types I went to a specialist shoe shop and tried various ones. I found Fly Flot shoes suited my feet best and bought 2 pairs of the same type but different colours!

Now I know what suits me (and what fits) I've been on the net and have found a website where I can get fly flots a good deal cheaper....so that's something to keep in mind once you find what you're looking for.

happy hunting ! and happy feet!

Iris x

sharmaine

Hi Elna

There's a shop in Chichester that sell only MBT's. I'll pay them a visit soon. We're going on a mini cruise to Spain in June to celebrate OH's birthday - I just want to be comfy when I'm out and about. At the moment it's jolly hard work just going to the supermarker!

Sharmaine

quote="elnafinn"] Just like walking on air, when you get used to MBT's, which does not take long, aye, Princess?

Elna x[/quote]

sharmaine

Hi Speedalong

I know - I queued at the post office this week and it jolly nearly finished me off. I'll be on a mission to get myself some comfy footwear.

Thanks heaps.
Sharmaine

speedalong wrote:

Hi Sharmaine - try and get some shoes with good springy, cushioned soles - more expensive but worth it. A lot of the flatter and more casual shoes these days seem to have support built into the shoe lining - so take your time and get down to trying them on. Don't buy any until you are sure.

Glad you are feeling like a bit of retail therapy and that you are on the mend.

I find the standing still in queues the worst thing of all. However much I shift my wait around and stand on one leg and lean on anything nearby - its agony.

Speedalong

annie_mial

dorcas wrote:

Hi Sharmaine,

I have PA in my knees and feet and recently asked the good peeps here about what shoes would help. I got lots of good suggestions.

After writing down the list of different types I went to a specialist shoe shop and tried various ones. I found Fly Flot shoes suited my feet best and bought 2 pairs of the same type but different colours!

Now I know what suits me (and what fits) I've been on the net and have found a website where I can get fly flots a good deal cheaper....so that's something to keep in mind once you find what you're looking for.

Hi Iris, I've been wearing Fly Flots for the last 3/4 years, I haven't bettered them yet. I think I probably use the same website you do, too!

Annie

happy hunting ! and happy feet!

Iris x

Starburst

As Elna says, it doesn't take long to get used to them. They say to wear them around the house for a few days to practice placing your feet properly and they showed me how to walk properly before I got them. It's pretty simple though.

Speedalong - They are the ones that rock/tip as you walk. They don't make me ache more at all. Actually, I went out last night in my UGG boots and I majorly regretted it this morning.

Good luck, Sharmaine. They do some nice styles too, which makes it much more pleasant. Dunno about you but I do like my shoes!

oneday

Hi there
I find hard surfaces arent good for me. If in park i walk on grass not path. But what i find good say in a shopping centre with hard floors are 1. wearing trainers with thick soles are better than my comfy-est bounciest shoes and 2. the main thing i think has helped me is my insoles off the podiatrist. they look basic and i cant believe what a difference they have made. I must lean in with both legs so the insoles must align everything.
I would recommend you push to be referred. At first i felt bit wobbly but perservered - certainly wont be without them.
As for shopping make sure you pace yourself with plenty of sit downs to take pressure off joints...happy shopping!

sharmaine

Hi Princess

I have shoes, boots, trainers, sandals that I can't wear anymore. They're like museum pieces. I've always loved shoes and the styles these days are so high that I would probably break my neck if I tried to walk in them.

Once OH has watched the Grand Prix we're off to get me a pair. I'm not coping and I want to go out and about!

Sharmaine

princess01 wrote:

As Elna says, it doesn't take long to get used to them. They say to wear them around the house for a few days to practice placing your feet properly and they showed me how to walk properly before I got them. It's pretty simple though.

Speedalong - They are the ones that rock/tip as you walk. They don't make me ache more at all. Actually, I went out last night in my UGG boots and I majorly regretted it this morning.

Good luck, Sharmaine. They do some nice styles too, which makes it much more pleasant. Dunno about you but I do like my shoes!

sharmaine

Hi Oneday
I will make an appointment to see the podiatrist - I don't know why I didn't ask earlier. I've suffered with this for about 6 years and all the supposed comfy shoes don't work. I'm so looking forward to a bit of relief whilst out walking/shopping. Walking on grass is better for me - it's the flat surfaces that are murder.

I have to stop every 5/10 minutes when we're out. After a walk I feel as if I have done a marathon - I get hot, stiff and uncomfortable.

Sharmaine

oneday wrote:

Hi there
I find hard surfaces arent good for me. If in park i walk on grass not path. But what i find good say in a shopping centre with hard floors are 1. wearing trainers with thick soles are better than my comfy-est bounciest shoes and 2. the main thing i think has helped me is my insoles off the podiatrist. they look basic and i cant believe what a difference they have made. I must lean in with both legs so the insoles must align everything.
I would recommend you push to be referred. At first i felt bit wobbly but perservered - certainly wont be without them.
As for shopping make sure you pace yourself with plenty of sit downs to take pressure off joints...happy shopping!

elnafinn

Hi Sharmaine,

I bought my MBT's from a specialist shop so the staff were fully trained in knowing all about these shoes/sandals.

It is vital to be fitted for them properly. I have had mine since 2007, sent them off to be totally resoled last August 2009. I noticed recently when I was doing a certain exercise with the physio and I had them on, that the toe end of one shoe was coming unstuck. Sent the offending shoe off to be dealt with, returned within a few days with a cheque reimbursing me the recorded delivery postage.

When I originally bought them I was asked why I was interested in these shoes. I said because I have oa of the knees. When I purchased a pair I did not need to pay the VAT on them and just signed my name on a sheet of paper and gave reason of arthritis, The form was provided there and then at the till. They did cost just over £100 minus VAT but over the 3 years, because of the comfort, I have received that money back one hundred fold!
They do sandals too. I hate my toes so prefer the MBT trainers to the sandals and in the summer, crocs.

You can google them to find more info if you wish.

Everyone is different, but for me they have been my saviour when wishing to walk in perfect comfort, all day, if necessary!

Love
Elna x

sharmaine

Hi Elna

Thanks. I tried on a pair today but they had little choice. I know what size I am - I just need to find a retailer online. I did find one but they were in the US and I was a bit wary of ordering. I'll keep hunting.

I hope you are ok.

Sharmaine


quote="elnafinn"]Hi Sharmaine,

I bought my MBT's from a specialist shop so the staff were fully trained in knowing all about these shoes/sandals.

It is vital to be fitted for them properly. I have had mine since 2007, sent them off to be totally resoled last August 2009. I noticed recently when I was doing a certain exercise with the physio and I had them on, that the toe end of one shoe was coming unstuck. Sent the offending shoe off to be dealt with, returned within a few days with a cheque reimbursing me the recorded delivery postage.

When I originally bought them I was asked why I was interested in these shoes. I said because I have oa of the knees. When I purchased a pair I did not need to pay the VAT on them and just signed my name on a sheet of paper and gave reason of arthritis, The form was provided there and then at the till. They did cost just over £100 minus VAT but over the 3 years, because of the comfort, I have received that money back one hundred fold!
They do sandals too. I hate my toes so prefer the MBT trainers to the sandals and in the summer, crocs.

You can google them to find more info if you wish.

Everyone is different, but for me they have been my saviour when wishing to walk in perfect comfort, all day, if necessary!

Love
Elna x[/quote]

dopeykit

ooh this is one of my favourite topics...

My favourite brands are:
Kat Maconie (hard to find and expensive but just gorgeous shoes - proper high fashion and great for work etc)
Fit Flops
MBTs (although these arent good if you're really tired because you do need to walk properly in them)

Hope you find some that work for you

Kit

sharmaine

Hi
I bought a pair of sandals from Shurpedic (or something like that today) but really want shoes that will make walking on flat surfaces bearable. I'm checking out MBTs online and someone also suggested Sketchers - anyone tried those? Clark's sell them.

I love shoes too...unfortunately mine now have to be very sensible. I can put my heels on but would need to very strong men to carry me about in them!

Sharmaine

dopeykit wrote:

ooh this is one of my favourite topics...

My favourite brands are:
Kat Maconie (hard to find and expensive but just gorgeous shoes - proper high fashion and great for work etc)
Fit Flops
MBTs (although these arent good if you're really tired because you do need to walk properly in them)

Hope you find some that work for you

Kit

sharmaine

Hi Collywobble

It's good to know that I can refer myself to the podiatrist. Honestly, my feet have not been the same since I've had arthur.
Flip flops are murderous I would only be able to wear them in a prone position - I couldn't walk in them.

There are a good choice of FlyFlot shoes online I had a look yesterday. They're very reasonably priced too.

Gone are the days when I used to walk around in 4 inch heels - all I want is comfort these days especially after dealing with the discomfort of arthur.

I agree "Comfy footwear rules"!

OH walked around the shops with me today in the heat - bless him - I tried to get him interested in new shoes but all he wanted was to be home to write a song (music is his hobby)! I did well walking today - instead of my normal 5/6 stops I only needed one and that was for lunch.

With regards
Sharmaine

collywobble wrote:

Hi everyone

Just want to jump in here if you don't mind, and ask about the FlyFlot shoes. The only ones I've seen online are winter boots, and flip flop styles. Do they make ordinary style shoes, do you know? I've never been able to wear flip flops anyway, even less so now!!!! :roll:

The other thing I want to mention is regarding referrals to a podiatrist. In my area, you can refer yourself - I did a while ago, when I was told I had bone spurs in my foot. Turns out I also have slightly flat feet :roll: , and the orthotics they gave me have really helped. Just a thought, if anyone needs a podiatrist. I didn't have to wait long either.

Wishing you all comfy feet!!!
Love, Lynn xxx

dorcas

Hi Lynn!

as Sharmaine says there is a huge variety of Fly Flots online.....and they are much much cheaper too. Easiest way is just to google it!

good hunting too.

Iris x

sharmaine

Hi Lynn

I knew I would marry him when he sang me a song after two weeks of dating. He used to be in a band but just enjoys composing music/lyrics these days - it's his way of relaxing. He says he may sell some of his music. He's very poetic too. He's been working on a song for weeks now and the only thing he's happy with is our son's singing! I would have thrown it out of the window by now.

I have walked a lot today but I'll be back on the exercise bike tomorrow. I'm only allowed to do 5-10 minutes twice a day to begin with. I'm just thrilled to be able to manage it.

With regards
Sharmaine

Sharmaine

collywobble wrote:

Hi Sharmaine

It's good to read you're doing so well after your op, but oh, for comfy feet!!!!!

I still have some strappy shoes, with heels, stored away, and not sure why, because there's no chance........!!!!! One can dream, eh?

Will have another browse for the Flyflots - always on the search for comfy footwear these days - aren't we all!!!

Oooh, a songwriting hubby. Does he sing too?? How lovely. Hope he serenades you to sleep each night

You keep up the good work with the exercise bike!!!

Lynn xxx