TOPIC of the MONTH AUGUST 2014~~Balance

[selmaS]

Hi all we all tend to have issues with balance whether it is from feeling dizzy , vertigo, or just unstable feet and legs.....

In doing some research I found for toddlers learning to walk, many pediatricians suggest they go barefoot to be able to find their own footing...then use a soft flexible shoe one that gives as opposed to one that is stiff and unyeilding to the movement of the foot....so there is more rocking and tipping over then walking and the movement is all in the legs and not the foot as it should be.

I decided to try this...and got myself some softer soled shoes....Go Walk are great I can now walk on grass....I was wondering if others have attempted to try different things to help with balance?

[selmaS]

  I do, but I am not sure what is the right way to go...I tried sneakers with a rounded bottom and they were hard to walk in...and expensive....

I have boots 2 different pair, my first pair ...pigskin ...I love those, well the last time I wore those I had electric shock like sensations in my feet (b4 surgery)
I also have an issue with finding shoes that do not hurt my feet...or bother my ankle....I have sooooo many issues...lol...over sensitive and that could be the EDS....

Hmmm  how do I not remember that one...when was it fused or did it fuse on it's own?

[rod44]

Yes I know what you mean. I have dizziness pretty much all the time though, I do fall and it is usually backwards and to my right side. This is interesting and I had not thought much about it.  

Do you think footwear is important for people with EDS and other mobility problems? High boots would give good support??

Yes but I have fused vertebra so I have a short neck. My neck gets stiff

[selmaS]

  LOL...oh don't I know it your an Angel...lol..

  No by all means rant...this gives me a better look at how others are dealing with this issue.

For me when I was not feeling dizzy or dealing with vertigo, I had issues mostly if I was busy doing something and all of a sudden my arms were flailing all over as I lost my balance...with vertigo the room is spinning so you expect to loose your balance, but not when you feel ok....

I am not sure if it is going bare foot and wearing a softer soled shoe or that I am 5 yrs post op and it is just getting better,....but I am seeing improvement and that is great for me.,..and I wonder how others are dealing with this.

BTW- I also watch the ground in front of me...as we need to know if there is a change in the angle of the ground otherwise we fall....I do not get neck pain from this, but I am short, and you are taller mayb that is why???lol...

[rod44]

lol you know me Selma I don't walk I float.
I find it hard to wear shoes so I mostly wear sandals, my feet burn or feel like they burn. I cant walk without looking on the ground ahead, this causes neck pain. I had PT a few months ago and I asked the Physiotherapist about it. She did some checks and noted two things wrong. I have no reflexes in both limbs and I have only limited vibration sense in both ankles. I dont know if this is related to my balance but I think there must be. I have nerve damage ( neuropathy) that my NS tells me is not related. I believe because my NS thinks they are not related he just ignores it.
Sorry about the rant!!  

[kwalker0004]

Though it was recommended to me by loved ones and concerned friends wearing soft bottom shoes makes it worse for me. I hate to say it but I go barefoot until its time to get out of the vehicle to go into the store. I am also beginning to wear the neck brace to keep my head from jaring, which seems to also cause my dizzy spells. I will be attempting to ride my horse next week upon my return to home. So I will also be wearing my neck brace as well. I learned my lesson, we won't be jumping for awhile, but I do believe a nice little walk on the beach will do us both some good. Helps with balance as well. As I see so many handicapped children learn to ride therapeutic horses and feel great afterwards. Maybe just take baby steps for now.

[selmaS]

  Vertigo is bad and way beyond balance issues...lol...I had it for 2 weeks straight at one point so I know what that is like....

For the balance issues I am referring to those that feel like they are walking on boards that are laid on top of marbles...lol..no dizziness involved...just balance is off.

For my vertigo, for some reason it was worse when I would try and move to my left...as long as I moved right I was able to continue with my day.....very strange how it can last so long and no way to stop it completely.