foot support

[herdysheep]

Can't blame this on pmr but getting lower on pred has made it more apparent. I have arthritis in big toe and the joint seems to have flattened. Gp has suggested support insole for under the toe joint, but have been flummoxed looking at t'interweb options. Can anyone recommend something suitable, please nicely?

[SnazzyD]

The trouble is it depends what is causing the joint to drop. Cushioning it might just put pressure on it but you can try and if you do, see if your arches are very high or very low. I had to see a podiatrist which cost me £80 for a first appointment. I needed support of other parts of my foot to stop my poor big toe from being stressed out. Once I had proper insoles for my problem (Morten’s foot) it’s ok.

[piglette]

As SnazzyD says, probably your first port of call should be a podiatrist.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't think it is something you can solve on the internet. You need the hands-on advice of a podiatrist which won't be cheap. The NHS used to have them but somehow, I doubt it these days! But you are on your feet or in bed - both require a bit of investment!

[MamaBeagle in reply to PMRpro]

I believe you are entitled to nhs podiatrist .....if you have diabetes.I started going to a wonderful podiatristjust over 12vmonths ago. I was taking OH then thought why don't I treat myself and look after my feet too?

£40 every 8 weeks. Lots of very useful advice too!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Agree with others, needs to be assessed properly- you could more damage by buying off t'internet - not to mention wasting your money...

[herdysheep]

Many thanks. GP didn't mention podiatrist or the like - just insole support may help. Now to find a podiatrist!!

[nuigini]

I recently had to have a full foot assessment. My feet had become so painful I simply couldn't walk barefoot, I knew I had arthritis, but as it turns out there are many issues with my feet. No need to list them all. An assessment by a Podiatric Surgeon and properly fitted custom insoles have helped a lot.

[herdysheep]

as ever - well worth checking out on here

[Blossom20]

There's a company called 'Foot solutions' where they analyse your gait and then show you their selection of specialised shoes. Has good reviews I just googled and they are a chain so youu may find a shop near you.

[herdysheep]

Thank you. I'll have a look.

[Mrsd12f]

As others have mentioned, you need to see a proper MSK podiatrist, who will be able to advise you on the correct inserts for your problem. I have what sounds like a similar problem to yours, (caused by my flat feet) and I went, initially, to see the physio attached to my GP practice.

He referred me to podiatry at my local hospital and I was given Bio Max inserts, which made a big difference. You can also buy them online; they’re not cheap. (£60ish), but it’s useful to have a spare pair, otherwise you have to keep swapping them between shoes.

Subsequently, I’ve had specially-made insoles, again on the NHS.

If I were you, I’d go back to your GP and ask to be referred. You need an MSK podiatrist, not the ones who sort out corns! Good luck!

[herdysheep in reply to Mrsd12f]

many thanks

[Pixix]

I have bad OA in both toes. I was referred to a rheumy & she noticed I was walking on sides of my feet to avoid pain (I hadn’t noticed, I’d just adjusted to doing it). She referred me to a podiatrist in the hospital. She made custom insoles (called orthotics) for my feet. You get two pairs each year, if under NHS care. I said I’d like to buy a third pair, but I didn’t…mine are over £100 a pair. Plus they’ve had changes made each year, as OA spread to other toes. Something to factor in if you’re thinking of going private. Also, with custom insoles you can’t wear many types of shoe…no Crocs (which I lived in), no slip on slippers, no heels, I live in trainers now, virtually. I had to take 3 pairs of shoes in on my second visit, to get approval! Two passed, but mainly because, as a keen Walker I had trainers & walking boots! I have other issues with my feet, but I’m not diabetic. I’m not sure I would have seen a podiatrist on NHS with ‘just’ OA in toes. Before seeing her I had a lot of issues with plantar fasciitis & wore insoles which I bought on the web & they were helpful. I see her about twice a year, & usually end up with a phone call in between. But I Have OA in all toes, an unstable ankle bone which tends to like dislocating (I have hypermobility), bad swelling in both feet (currently under review). I usually buy size 5 shoes, but just had an additional raise out onto my insoles at the back, & now had to buy new shoes to fit it in…size 6 and a half!! Good luck, S x

[herdysheep in reply to Pixix]

ouch - that's not easy as a keen walker. Many thanks for the info

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to herdysheep]

Except that walking shoes usually get the seal of approval AND you can get the insoles into them!

[Pixix in reply to herdysheep]

Walking with PF awful, but easier with insoles & sometimes you just have to give up for a while!! And, as PMRPro says, walking shoes are the best things for poorly feet!! S x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

Early days with untreated PMR I bought a pair of Meindl walking shoes - almost the only thing I could walk in!!! Didn't really do for posh though even if they were blue leather ...

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

I dread being asked to a wedding…I’d have to buy shoes! Had to buy a black pair recentky formy aunt’s funeral.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

I have a lovely pair of leather clogs/croc-tyle - very Austrian! Got them for my daughter's wedding when I couldn't wear anything else. And have used them as house shoes for years but they are beginning to fall apart now. Summer weddings are fine - have nice-looking sandals that take the custom-made insoles, They understand comfort with a bit of style in the Germanic regions.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

I’ve bought cheap & cheerful trainers for the moment, as I don’t think the half inch elevation at the heel will be permanent (hope not)! It’s so high my foot doesn’t go into normal shoes, really. I think my orthotics have changed 4 times in 5 years now.

[LCfan]

As others here have advised, ask your GP for a referral to hospital podiatry/ orthotics. I have had bad foot problems for a long time and orthotic insoles have helped as the cartilege has worn away on the soles of my feet, arches have fallen and now OA and OP. Hospital advised special wider fitting shoes (a mail order company, although they are stocked in a handful of shops) which have removal insoles to fit the orthotic ones inside. I have just started physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the muscles in my feet and ankles. Good luck!

[Bcol]

We can do self referral's to NHS podiatry here, may be worth seeing if that is possible in your area. I have big (pun, not really intended)problems with feet and shoes, with severe OA and some other rare (apparently)problems with my right foot, left foot already has fused (screwed together) joints. I think Internet is not the answer until you get some technical advice.