Footwear query

jinger
jinger Member Posts: 15
edited 27. Jan 2009, 12:45 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all

I'm a newbie here and soooo glad I found this site!

I have OA in my feet and ankles (was diagnosed a couple of years ago). My left foot and ankle has now been permanently swollen for about 6 years now.I've tried all sorts of things to help the sweling go down to no avail.

Now the problem is, my foot has swollen even more and I can no longer wear my beloved Crocs :cry: so am on the hunt for other footwear that I can get my elephant foot in and still be comfy (and not fall off the right one which is only slightly swollen). I've been to all the shops this week in my town and couldn't find 1 pair that would fit properly so I'm now feeling like I could cry in frustration. I'm ideally after shoes and/or sandals that have velcro on them for easy adjustment.

I'm down to wearing one pair of sandals now with velcro on them and because my foot is so big I can't keep the velcro done up and I know it's not healthy for your feet to be in the same pair of footwear all the time. So I was wondering if anyone knew of any shops or online specialists that could be recommended to me please that specialise in wide-fitting shoes?

Thanks
Netty
In a world where everything is a copy .... I remain an original

Comments

  • avalon
    avalon Member Posts: 13
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jinger wrote:
    Hi all

    I'm a newbie here and soooo glad I found this site!

    I have OA in my feet and ankles (was diagnosed a couple of years ago). My left foot and ankle has now been permanently swollen for about 6 years now.I've tried all sorts of things to help the sweling go down to no avail.

    Now the problem is, my foot has swollen even more and I can no longer wear my beloved Crocs :cry: so am on the hunt for other footwear that I can get my elephant foot in and still be comfy (and not fall off the right one which is only slightly swollen). I've been to all the shops this week in my town and couldn't find 1 pair that would fit properly so I'm now feeling like I could cry in frustration. I'm ideally after shoes and/or sandals that have velcro on them for easy adjustment.

    I'm down to wearing one pair of sandals now with velcro on them and because my foot is so big I can't keep the velcro done up and I know it's not healthy for your feet to be in the same pair of footwear all the time. So I was wondering if anyone knew of any shops or online specialists that could be recommended to me please that specialise in wide-fitting shoes?

    Thanks
    Netty

    Hi Netty

    I too have OA in my feet and ankles, and various other parts!! :lol::lol:

    You may find these helpful : Hotters and The Shoe Tailor. I have never used them but Hotters leave books in My Rhuemy Department and my Podiatrist recommended them. The Shoe Tailor does widths up to EEEE!!!! If you Google them you can look round their sites.

    My right ankle is always swollen but doesn't sound to be as swollen as much as yours. I too love my crocs!!!

    Sorry I can't be more help but I'm sure someone else may be able to help more than me

    Hope you're well today

    Luv Janet
  • mattsmum
    mattsmum Member Posts: 4
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi! I would swear by Hotters. They're a godsend to me, not least because I take a size9.
    JossXX
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Netty

    I have very swollen feet. Have shoes from hospital but used to have cosey feet which do a wide fit and another which is wide and nicer fashion wise is natureform.

    Hope this helps

    Vonski x
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Netty :)

    Would you wear flip flops as these would probably be ok for you or do you prefer your feet covered up?

    As you are such a fan of crocs you could buy a larger size in one of the colours you have already and wear a larger croc on the more swollen foot? Just a thought.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • coralbangle
    coralbangle Member Posts: 18
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jinger wrote:
    Hi all

    I'm a newbie here and soooo glad I found this site!

    I have OA in my feet and ankles (was diagnosed a couple of years ago). My left foot and ankle has now been permanently swollen for about 6 years now.I've tried all sorts of things to help the sweling go down to no avail.

    Now the problem is, my foot has swollen even more and I can no longer wear my beloved Crocs :cry: so am on the hunt for other footwear that I can get my elephant foot in and still be comfy (and not fall off the right one which is only slightly swollen). I've been to all the shops this week in my town and couldn't find 1 pair that would fit properly so I'm now feeling like I could cry in frustration. I'm ideally after shoes and/or sandals that have velcro on them for easy adjustment.

    I'm down to wearing one pair of sandals now with velcro on them and because my foot is so big I can't keep the velcro done up and I know it's not healthy for your feet to be in the same pair of footwear all the time. So I was wondering if anyone knew of any shops or online specialists that could be recommended to me please that specialise in wide-fitting shoes?

    Thanks
    Netty

    Hi,

    I would say try [weblink removed] they have footwear up to 8e. Another one i use is simply feet, both of these are stockists for easy b.

    Goodluck
    coralbangle
  • jinger
    jinger Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    Thanks for all replies.

    Unfortunately I can't get on with flip-flops as they're too flat and most of them have that bit that goes between your toes which I can't get on with either. I would love to have a bigger pair of Crocs but can't even slip my foot into my hubby's size 13's! I love Hotter sandals but all the ones I have tried aren't quite wide enough for me. I have a lovely pair of Flyflot mules which are really comfy but I can't get them on at the mo either.

    I will have a look at the websites you have stated and see what they offer. I've had my width measured and apparently it's currently at 7E!

    I've spoken to several GPs about my foot and all of them give me the usual advice about keeping it elevated, applying ice packs, wearing support socks, tubigrips etc but none make a difference. Does anybody know what else I could try to try to get the swelling down?

    Thanks
    Netty
    In a world where everything is a copy .... I remain an original
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Netty :)

    What about birkenstocks with the buckles that you can adjust and perhaps make extra holes for the buckle to make them even wider.

    I googled wide fit shoes and on that page about the 4th or 5th heading down I opened it up and noticed a pair of shoes/ open toed but heel of shoe "filled" in, with velcro straps. These shoes went to an EEEE fitting.

    I really feel for you. I hate buying shoes with my horrid feet but at least I have a couple of pairs that are comfortable one being crocs and the other being MBTs.

    You seem to have tried all the ideas that I know of to get swelling down in the feet and legs.

    A short walk and then elevation of the legs may help but you have probably tried that as well. Compression stockings should be applied before getting out of bed in the morning and your legs should be measured to get the correct stocking size. Avoidance of sodium is important. Has your gp prescribed any diuretics? Drinking plenty of water is another thing I have heard is a good idea. Better not to sit or stand for too long but walk about and then elevate legs.

    I hope you find some comfortable shoes soon.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • jinger
    jinger Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Netty,have you seen a podiatrist?if not then ask your Gp to refer you,im going to my 1st podiatry appointment tomorrow because the RA has affected my feet,and im looking for advice on shoes to reduce pain and shoes for when i return to work.

    I saw a podiatrist who gave me several orthotics for my shoes as I also suffer from plantar faciitis, have limited movement in my ankles and have no arches any more. Unfortunately the orthotics he gave me didn't make much difference so he referred me to the Orthopaedic team at my local hospital. After waiting 6 months for my appointment (which I got 2 years ago), I was sent for an MRI scan of my feet and ankles, and waited another 3 months for my results. I went back to be curtly told that there was nothing that they could do for me as I have osteoarthritis predominantly in my left foot, take paracetamol and ibuprofen, get a desk job (which I already had!) and to go back in 6 months if there were any significant changes! I went back only to be told yet again there was nothing he could do about the pain and swelling and sent me away with a walking stick and no follow-up appointment.

    Maybe it's time to badger my GP again!
    In a world where everything is a copy .... I remain an original
  • jinger
    jinger Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    elnafinn wrote:
    Hi Netty :)

    What about birkenstocks with the buckles that you can adjust and perhaps make extra holes for the buckle to make them even wider.

    I googled wide fit shoes and on that page about the 4th or 5th heading down I opened it up and noticed a pair of shoes/ open toed but heel of shoe "filled" in, with velcro straps. These shoes went to an EEEE fitting.

    I really feel for you. I hate buying shoes with my horrid feet but at least I have a couple of pairs that are comfortable one being crocs and the other being MBTs.

    You seem to have tried all the ideas that I know of to get swelling down in the feet and legs.

    A short walk and then elevation of the legs may help but you have probably tried that as well. Compression stockings should be applied before getting out of bed in the morning and your legs should be measured to get the correct stocking size. Avoidance of sodium is important. Has your gp prescribed any diuretics? Drinking plenty of water is another thing I have heard is a good idea. Better not to sit or stand for too long but walk about and then elevate legs.

    I hope you find some comfortable shoes soon.

    Luv
    Elna x

    Hiya

    I got a new pair of compression stockings about 3 weeks ago. I got measured up for them by my GP and the Pharmacist rechecked the measurements before ordering them for me. Problem is, they don't fit now as my foot has got worse. I even managed to smack my husband in the face with one on Sunday morning after it pinged off when I was trying to get the damn thing on! I laughed so hard my ribs hurt! I've given up trying to get them on and my hubby thinks they're a health hazard now anyway! :lol:

    I have tried asking my GP for diuretics the last time I went but was advised not to take them as the swelling was just in one foot. Maybe it's time to ask again as the swelling has gone up to just below my knee and now my right one has started swelling too, so it could be a possibility now.

    As my hubby is diabetic we pretty much watch what we eat and the only time I have salt is when I eat chips which is once in a blue moon. I don't add salt when I'm cooking either - I use herbs and spices instead.

    By the way Elna, what are MBTs?

    Netty
    In a world where everything is a copy .... I remain an original
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Netty :D

    MBT shoes stands for Masai Barefoot Technology. Google them if you wish to know more. I fear at the moment they are not for you though.

    You made me laugh with the stocking episode :oops: :lol::lol: :roll: :roll: You possibly need a larger pair at the moment at least for one leg. :roll: I do sympathise. I do not have your problem but suffer with varicose veins, aching legs, wide, large feet, one bunion and one "funny" toe. :oops: :roll:

    Hope your day goes ok, let us know how you go on.

    Keep smiling :)

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • jinger
    jinger Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    elnafinn wrote:
    Hi Netty :D

    MBT shoes stands for Masai Barefoot Technology. Google them if you wish to know more. I fear at the moment they are not for you though.

    [snip]
    Keep smiling :)

    Luv
    Elna x

    Hi Elna

    Those MBTs look interesting. Their website says they're good for people who've got various different feet troubles. There's a stockist in my town so I may go have a look at them.

    I actually managed to wear my largest pair of Crocs today for a few hours before my foot got too bad. Maybe with the weather cooling down a bit at the mo, my foot may go down a little enough to be in my Crocs all day again. Here's hoping!
    In a world where everything is a copy .... I remain an original
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Netty :D

    Pleased to hear that you were able to wear a pair of Crocs today even if only for a few hours. :D

    I only thought that the MBT's may not be for you at the mo as your foot is swollen. They are expensive and a good fitting is very important so I did not wish you to get a pair and they be too big at a later date. Just remembered they do sandals as well and I believe the straps are adjustable.

    If you do go for them remember to get the VAT off them, like I did.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • rita56
    rita56 Member Posts: 1
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,I have heard good things about 'FlyFlots' apparently they do sandals to fit swollen feet that fasten with Velcro.You could try googling FlyFlots. :)
    Rita xx
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    another thread bumped up on footwear...........


    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.