any tips on walking on uneven surfaces

[Bubbles_3]

hi everyone hope your day is going well. Does anyone have issues with pain in shins and foot dropping when walking outside on uneven ground, but on flat surfaces I can manage being on my feet a bit longer. Feel like I was getting somewhere with walking and not collapsing as soon as I started but now I’ve had this set back and don’t what to do it’s got me really down as I’m scared to go anywhere without anyone thereI’ve not got any help from gp does anyone have any helpful tips? Thanks

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hi bubbles, because of my worn out knee @the other aches pains we get I am constantly in trainers at home /outside as I trip a lot 🤣I just feel more safer with these on and never wear house slippers for fear of tripping over./or slip , I tend too make sure husband is about more now or friend if I get too pop out for short break , it does knock your confidence I know, I now have a habit of looking down more as I can guarantee if there a something too bump into I can easily manage that 🤣.xx

[Bubbles_3 in reply to Yassytina]

it’s always reassuring talking to people that can understand the daily struggle. I barely look up now and feel limited where I I feel comfortable to go. Any suggestion on any specific trainers/shoes you think have helped?

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer in reply to Bubbles_3]

I use a company called damart can order online or they send a booklet, they do extra width on shoes/trainers as well sometimes , they send me offers and just bought a lovely comfy pair of white trainers always have laces as you can adjust too fit your foot more. Worth a look x

[Bubbles_3 in reply to Yassytina]

thank you for the suggestion I will defo be looking into this 😁👍🏽

[Gigiruth]

Hi BubblesMy shoes make a big difference.

I have found lightweight hiking boots have helped me walk further.

They are not what I expected to help.

Went into the shop rather than buy online and had someone help me find the right pair. For me this was arch support and ankle support and ask about pronation. ( the way your foot rolls.)

Supporting my feet as well as comfort has helped me get out more. The softest option is not always the best.

We are all different and these are expensive items, you could ask to see a footware expert at your sports shop. You can pay for a report at some stores.

Worth considering.

I hope you find something that helps

All the Best

Gigi

[Patdoyle in reply to Gigiruth]

yes I also bought lightweight hiking shoes and can walk a lot further in them. Mine are by Merrill and I love them.

[Luckychica]

Hi, I know the same issues with balance and unsteadiness that you have. It’s really important to get good footwear to help your balance.

I’ve found that shoes from a company called VIONIC help my feet and my balance.

They sell online ( I’m unsure if you can get them in shops) but the best thing is that unlike most shoes/sandals/ slippers/trainers bought online, VIONIC offer a “no questions asked” full refund guarantee for 30 days if you’ve changed your mind or the shoes are not right for you….EVEN IF YOU HAVE WORN THEM OUTSIDE!

I think they are an American brand but there is a UK website too.

They give wider sizes, deep heel cup and good arch support.

I have bought from them and the shoes are good quality and last for ages.

Also I can say the plantar fasciitis that troubled me a lot some years back was improved and went away when I started to wear these shoes.

No idea if they will suit you but it’s definitely worth a try.

Sometimes I’ve been lucky and have found them from private sellers on eBay.

All the best!

[BlueTofu]

Yes I have problems with shins and foot dragging and catching. I was mostly left shin and my right foot. I think partly I was concentrating on what was going on with my left leg so much, I was not lifting my right foot properly. I also use walking shoes. I'm having problems finding ones wide enough in the toes that are also suitable for vegetarians. Slowing down my walk and trying to relax, helped me. Also my calf muscles tend to be tight, so I have a tennis ball in a long socks, and I stand against a wall with the ball at calf height and rub my leg to massage a bit. I also do calf stretches, gently, in the shower; after warming them up.

[EarthSitter1]

Hi, due to arthritis I suffer from foot droop and trip a lot, using a crutch helps me from falling when I’m out and I wear either Damart, Hotter or Hobo make shoes they all have good trainer type soles for grip and Hotter in particular make really pretty shoes that can be worn with a skirt x

[Bubbles_3]

you guys are awesome thank you for all the suggestions and will be doing my homework on these asap

[Debsdelight72]

Oh Bless you,Bubbles_3 I think 95% of Fibro peeps have some issue with legs or feet,

My feet feel like I've stepped on lego a lot, I relied on my stick for a while then a walker and now I have a power chair. I have artheritus (sorry cant spell) in my knees,hip and groin, As soon as i'm upright my spine goes into spasm, Occupation health are trying to help by suggesting how I can do things around the house, I fall around 4 times a month without fail, I wear slippers from a company on line called cosy toes more for the older person but I've given up trendy and go for comfy and safer these days. I hope you get the help you need to make an improvement in your future going forward with positive thoughts.

Don't forget there is always someone on here to talk to,

Take care

[Bubbles_3 in reply to Debsdelight72]

aww thank you a bunch😁 I’ve gone past caring about trendy it’s all about comfort and feeling confident to go out by myself again. I miss being independent

[Wobblygirl]

My knees are causing extra hurt as well as fibro ache. My cosy slippers have had to be thrown as my foot slips out when in gravel garden... V frightening as I think I'm going to fall. Makes me lack confidence on uneven ground so much?I had to go into large city 2wks ago 4 an important errand+found Pavers sale!

Bought springy soled trainer/moccasin which has helped give me confidence again and help impact on knee...

It's absolute joy to feel secure again!

Yes I've abandoned fashion for safety!

Good luck to find yr magic shoes too! X