I like the shoes made by Allegria because they have a rocker sole, forces the wearer back on their heels and the toes of the shoes curl up. They were originally made for nursing so they are meant to be worn all day. They are one of the few shoes I wear that I don't have the problem with catching my toes, because that is impossible in their design. Check them out at
http://www.alegriashoeshop.com/
Maybe try one of their pairs on sale and see if they work for you. They have free shipping and free return if they don't work for you.
-laura
Can you give more info on the Dorsi-Lite? I looked at the website and it is much more becoming than an AFO. Are you able to drive with it on?
Thanks!
Kristen
Oh my Lord, went to take my daughter-in-law her phone & hit the ottoman with my right foot. Pretty sure that the ends of 2 toes are now broken, as they now look like two eggplants on the end of my toes. When the cloud of pain cleared, I had to laugh hysterically and think of you! MS or stupidity, can't blame MS. ;-(
Thanks for that Kyle!
I had actually forgotten about these from a previous post and they may or may not help but I will suggest them to my PT.
Karry.
I have trouble with toe stubbing on long walks. When my legs atgart to tire my toes start to drop. I now have Dorsi-Lite braces that strap to the top of my feet. THe keep my feet and shins at a 90 degree angle. This makes stubbing toes more unlikely.
They cost only $53.00 and can be worn with or without shoes.
http://www.x-strap.com/products/Dorsi_Lite_Foot_Splint_For_Plantar_Fasciitis_Foot_Drop_Achilles_Tendonitis_Heel_Spurs_Shin_Splints_Sprained_Ankle_Rehab_WHEN_NOT_WEARING_SHOES_Guaranteed-3-1.html
Kyle
I'm glad to hear I'm not alone with the toe stubbing thing. I've had the RA since a very young age so I really don't know any difference in life without RA. I have a number of autoimmune conditions but I manage pretty well really.
The brace that sends an electric impulse is pretty new where I am in Australia and I've only seen one person with MS with one so I don't hold much hope. I would do much better if I could rely on elbow crutches because I could swing those in tune with my feet lol but unfortunately I am just not stable enough for this.
I am seeing the PT in a couple of weeks so I'm really hoping they will come up with some brilliant answer to my problem but I also know that's wishful thinking. ;-)
Karry.
I don't stub to the point you do, but I do it weekly. Also I literally trip over air, fleas, gnats, etc - LOL. I didn't realize you had RA too. I understand this is more rare to have these two animals together. Another reason I love this group, so much info, unfortunately gathered the hard way. Hope your PT can help. I wonder if you spoke with manufactor if they had some kind of program going that you could "test" one for them, or offer a deep discount for the device?
Thanks Alex! You made me have a good chuckle with the last statement and I will remember this one as it's so well said.
I have another assessment coming up with my PT soon so I will bring it up with them. The foot drop device that sends electric impulses to the foot are really expensive here as I have a friend who paid $6500 for one which is more than my very skinny bank account could afford.
I will see what the PT says and thanks for your help. I hope you are doing as well as you can at the moment.
Karry.
That is a rough one. Unfortunately with MS there are things you can't fix easily. The only thing I can think of is being evaluated by a PT or Occupational therapist. One that specializes in gait disorders. We luckily have PTs and OTs that specialize in MS at UNC and Duke.
There are those walking devices that lift your leg for foot drop but they are pretty expensive. I can't remember what they are called. They stimulate the muscle to lift the leg in the case of foot drop. They are at least a $1000 and many insurances do not cover them. A gait specialist can let you try one out before you buy it.
I do not have that so much. I do trip on side walk cracks.
I bite my tongue and my cheek all day. It sounds trivial but it hurts and I hate it. I know I am going to do it and I can't stop it. There is nothing I can do but wear a bite guard all the time. I can't stand the bite guard so I have a sore mouth. MS can be so inconvenient !
Sounds like you have many issues bless your heart. It really is not fair.
I used to tell medical students I have a lot of illnesses that won't kill me but make me miserable. When people say God only fills your plate with what you can handle I say but I do not recall getting in the all you can eat line.
Hang in there.
Alex