A couple years ago we made a driving trip to Texas to plan my new RV. Traveling by car meant using rest areas, restaurants, and motels. During that trip my ankles became so painful it was hard for me to walk.
At my next physical I asked my doctor about that pain but she could find no reason for it. Thinking it might be arthritis I started taking glucosamine/chondroitin again as it had helped my knees years ago. No relief.
The only thing that helped was not walking.
So, at this year’s physical I asked my doctor about my ankles again. She ordered x-rays and gave me a referral to a podiatrist.
The x-rays did not show arthritis.
The doctor explained to me that just like people’s eyes change shape over the years requiring glasses feet can change shape requiring more support. These supports are called orthotics and they would do a test to see if those might help me.
This is what the test looks like:
That is tape they put on my feet to mimic the support of orthotics. I was to wear the tape for at least three but not more than five days to see if they helped. If not, I was to have a radiological bone scan on day four.
For me, this taping was like a wonder drug! I was able to run errands two days in a row without ankle pain!
But…
…I am allergic to adhesives. I managed to leave the tape on almost three full days but once removed the reason for my itching was clear:
I had this rash on both feet and it had been driving me nuts!
But, at least, I didn’t have to do the bone scan.
I wanted that relief back without the allergic reaction so we we tried wrapping my feet with an ace bandage:
Unfortunately, that didn’t help.
So, back to the doctor I went and they made these molds of my feet:
Which they then sent off to have orthotics custom made just for me.
Now, for the next challenge. These are meant to replace the insoles in any pair of shoes. But the shoes I wear most are these:
And those insoles are not removable. I tried putting the orthotics in on top of the molded insoles and they fit in the shoe but they make the arch support way too high so didn’t even come close to being comfortable. Unless I want to sand down the insoles of these shoes, I don’t think they are going to work.
So, I started looking at other shoes I own. Like these:
As you can see by the one in the back, these insoles come out. In fact I used to wear these shoes so much I wore out one pair of insoles and ordered another pair from the shoe manufacturer. So these would work. As long as the weather is nice. Except for the fact that I’m supposed to wear socks to protect the insoles. Socks with sandals, anyone?
Then there is these:
I haven’t tried these yet because I’d have to trim the insoles to fit. What they have in them now is not so much an insole as a liner. But the tops are stretchy fabric so I might be able to put the orthotics in and still get my feet into them. But, I won’t know until I’ve already trimmed the orthotics. I’m not excited about making that experiment.
The one other pair of shoes I own do not have removable anything. Plus, they are sandals, too.
As a minimalist, I hate the idea of having to go buy shoes when I already own all these. Especially since I only bought those Crocs last month.
But, I sure do like having no ankle pain.
TTYL,
Linda
Those crocs could have caused your problem. I don’t know if I would attempt to trim the inserts if I paid a lot for them. Whatever you do, you will need to walk without pain so you can play bingo and listen to Ed sing when we all get to Emerald Cove!!!!
As you know I wear sandals all year round without socks because the socks cramp my feet and give me terrible foot and leg cramps. So I know how frustrating it is. But you can’t continue with the pain so you may have to break down and bye a different pair of shoes. Hope you can make one of the ones you have work.
I second that the crocs were a major culprit. I never go anywhere without proper shoes that give me good support all around. Flip flops or crocs are okay around the house, but if you’re going to do any sort of walking, they are terrible! Glad you got the help you needed.
When our daughter was pitching for the high school team, she had terrible ankle pain. They made her insoles for her spikes. It did the tick. Hope yours helps you as much as Kelly’s helped her.
My favorite shoes are flops. I wear them all the times unless the need to dress up … like the recent wedding. I had a pair of clear plastic ones that I just loved. Had those guys for at least 10 years then that muscle in my back started getting old .. wanted more support.
Got a pair of Dr. Scholl’s gel things…. hahaa trimmed ’em to fit in my flops ~ made a slit for the slit. worked very well.
Having pain is no good. These are not removable? so you have to pick one pair of special shoes. I’m sure those orthotics weren’t cheap so I think I’d take them to a shoe place and see what fit them best … lots of nifty sandals out there. Give the others to Goodwill or something.
you’re welcome 😉 ~ I don’t do pain well … at all
I’ve worn them for years and my foot doctor recommended New Balance walking shoes, #990. Both foot doctors I’ve gone to said NO open toe or open heel shoes with the inserts..you lose the correcting effect of the insert…they also recommended a tie shoe for more support. Mine current inserts are a hard plastic but I have had the softer rubber ones..both have done a great job and I can’t be without them. Good luck in finding something that gives you relief..when your feet and ankles hurt, you hurt all over!!
OMG I have allergies to adhesive too! Blisters within a few hours. Bandaids are the worst. I wear easy spirit clogs. The inserts come out and I can put in my own orthotics. Easy on and off. SO comfy!
I wear sandals year round!
and yes!
I wear them in the winter with SOCKS!!! love’em! I have some really neat socks. lol.
my ankles have swelled greatly this summer. the heat and humidity always do it.
eating salt too.
i’m eating WAY less salt. hardly any. still. sometimes they swell.
i’m guessing it’s just being 68 years old. LOL.
I’m wishing for you though a wonderful clean slate of health to start your winter traveling! 🙂
How about a good pair of gym shoes? I ended up ditching my orthotics after five years. I ended up with sharp shooting pains in my feet when I was sitting still.