The little light at the end of the tunnel has gone out

Pherstun

I finally got my appointment with the specialist podiatrist today.

I explained the years of problems I have had, with two different hospital made orthotics and many £££ spent on insoles. I've got very flat feet as well as having the arthritis. I even struggle to find flat shoes that are comfortable.

He seemed pretty stunned about how bad my feet are and said likely it's been since I was a baby. I explained that when I was young I had to have special Clarks shoes to try and help them. I've only had orthotics for a relatively short time in comparison. I will never know whether having them sooner would have helped...

Even after all these years I've not fully accepted that I will never be able to wear heels again. He was rather apologetic as he confirmed to me that both my feet are fused from the heel to where my toes emerge and there's nothing I can do about it, they will only get worse not better.

He's going to make me some custom orthotics where I get my feet cast in plaster, since the ones I've been given in the past have become uncomfortable.

I've tried to look after my feet as best as possible to try and help them recover but it seems it was all pointless. Maybe these days they spot foot problems in children and are able to correct them some - or maybe not.

Feeling rather depressed I know it's not an end of the world thing really but it's something I always I hoped I'd be able to do again.

millie78

Hi I too have had orthotics made and have had to buy new specialist shoes which may suit the more mature lady, at 34 I feel considerably grumpy. I am gutted to not be able to wear my lovely heels in my wardrobe, but it was also relief for me to think I can finally stop the pain and hopefully preserve what function my feet have left. Sadly the pain has not gone, but as much as I don't like the shoes I do feel good that I'm not damaging ly feet any further.

barbara12

Hi
This must have been such a shock to you, and I really do feel for you,bless ...you have done all the right things and still this has happened, I just hope that by making these orthotics they will be a big help to you.
Please let us know how you get on, and I wish you well with everything xx

buffycat

High heels.....something that I can only dream of now! I have a lovely pair in the wardrobe, last worn about 7 years ago...but I refuse to get rid of them.

Seriously though.....Millie78 is right....as much as I hate not being able to have beautiful shoes....I would much rather be able to retain some walking capability, especially now that I have 2 little ones.

My mum always said the following to me...."always make sure you have good shoes, and a good bed...because if you are not in one, you are in the other". So true, and I have always had good shoes, but that didn't stop the RA. Try and love your feet a little, maybe pamper them too....

Take care...
x