Do You Have Difficulty Inserting Your Foot Into Leg Openings?

[SongStream]

I've been meaning to ask this question for awhile. As some of you know, I have adult cerebral ALD and AMN. During my last Min-102 visit with the doctor at Stanford, I've commented how difficult it has been inserting my foot in leg openings with under garments and pants. I sometimes struggle with this. It seems I cannot lift my foot enough. I think it's advanced AMN but I don't think it's related to cerebral ALD so I'm posting to gather input. Thanks!

[Equinney]

I have that same experience, maybe not to the severity you do, and only have AMN per the last MRI.

[monkeybus]

I've had it for years. I have to sit on the floor, and even then I often fall backwards as I bend my knee to get my foot into the hole.

Even putting socks on can be a challenge. Sitting with my back against a wall works best.

Walls, my best friend. They aren't just for walking.

Forget about cerebral o on this one. Pure spasticity, I'd say.

[SongStream in reply to monkeybus]

spasticity; that makes sense and good to know.

[deengo]

I have a problem with that and its very frustrating sometimes mornings. The issue sounds the same. Lifting my foot up enough and trying to control it. Shoes are another issue. If I'm not careful my big toes folds under when sliding my shoe on

[Cherie]

I have the same problems as both you and deeno mention. It is very frustrating.

[SongStream]

Thank you for your replies! I was just thinking that in the 80's, it had been depicted on television, girls (and women ) had to put on their tight jeans while laying on heir back while on the floor, I now sit on my bed and am able to do do all this while stretching my legs. Sometimes, it seems I can hear a painless tissue tearing sound resulting in a good stretch. Same thing happens when I put on my shoes on while in my chair.

[Giuseppe_]

Hi there!

I have the same problem with my pants and underwear.

And I have the same problem putting on my shoes as Deengo mentions (I also have big feet) and even the same problem as Monkeybus mentions (I need wall or sitting on bed).

But a positive attitude is the best answer for our problems, at least we eventually can do it by ourselves!

[monmon]

Ah the joy of hip flexors weaknesses 😒 Yep, got that too. I teach how to strengthen them but I mainly get frustrated (with my flexors, not with the clients 😬). Hip flexors have lots of top jobs to carry on and yet they’re quite skinny even when healthy. No doubt a designer’s flaw (or a further proof we were designed to walk on fours…)

[julie_]

Definitely problematic! I always sit in the gym when i change. I make no excuses, I tell everyone i need to sit or at least have something to lean on!

[SongStream in reply to julie_]

There's no way I could ever stand up and dress myself.

[quilling]

I sit and pick up my foot with my hand and put it through pant leg or if I am on the potty I have to bend over and do the same being extra careful I don't tip off! I then have to hold one hand on the collator and one hand trying to pull pants up. Shoes are a struggle as my toes are hammered from years of troubles so I have to buy bigger as even the ones that aren't already bet up fold when I put my shoes on. I wear sneakers most of the time with AFOs or just by themselves if I am in chair. The other night my husband and I went out for our 42nd anniversary so I put on the nice flats Way too big they kept falling off but in order to get stupid toes in that's what I had to get. Thing is I couldn't even feel they were off sitting under the table Then i order a meal I can't eat and move it around like a 4 year old and take it home for my husband to eat the next day. Nice to go out of the house still even if I am a sight with my head waving back and forth and the waitress can't understand me well

[SongStream in reply to quilling]

Yes, I have to pick up my foot manually too. Congratulations on your 42nd anniversary!

[quilling in reply to SongStream]

Thank you!

[wilburlois15]

Yes, for many years! I get the feeling the MIN-102 oedema makes my legs even heavier and hence getting pants/shorts on even harder. And of course getting shoes onto swollen feet is hardest of all!

[Chazhl]

I too have the same difficulty. To date I have no cerebral involvement but my AMN seems to be progressing. My mobility , balance, bathroom urgency… among many other symptoms continue to worsen. The simple task of lifting my feet is very frustrating.

[SongStream in reply to Chazhl]

I think my AMN is worse that it has ever been but it does require a lot of work (physical therapy, daily"maintenance" but I am languishing.

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

SongStream's simple question has provoked very interesting responses, most of which concur with my own experiences. The discussion emphasises how much some of the simple and routine things we normally do in life now require careful planning when you have AMN. Putting socks on and off is once such. I have developed a technique where I put the inside-out sock over my left hand such that I can grab a foot with the same left hand and reverse the sock over said foot.

The other big challenge is putting on underpants or trousers. Regarding trousers, the thing I find essential is for them to be easily pulled up or taken down. The only solution that works for me is to buy stretch jogging pants, as long as I can find some that have wide-enough leg bottoms. Modern tight-fitting pants or trousers was a fashion trend I would be happy to see the back of. The best UK solution I have found is Marks & Spencer.

All of the above from me with AMN, not cerebral ALD for 35+ years.

[Tim76]

My foot would get stuck if I tried to put it through a hula hoop, lol. Toes, heel - something would get caught I guarantee it. Super frustrating putting on all things feet and leg related. I have to sit for all of it and use my hands to pick up my legs too. I found these amazing shoes that I swear were made for AMN. They’re called Kiziks. Google them. I’m on my second pair and can put them on without using any hands. They literally just slide on and come in extra wide width too.