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Weird Question about Shoes

mamak1118
mamak1118
This is going to sound really strange, but here goes...

I've said before I'm not the typical MSer; I'm actually doing pretty well, other than major fatigue, intermittent pain, and some walking issues, so please bear with me when I ask this silly question.

I work full-time and have never had a problem wearing heels, although since my diagnosis, the heels have gotten lower and lower. But in the last two years I've become unable to wear pumps. If the shoes don't have some means of being held on to my foot (e.g. straps, laces), they slip right off my feet when I walk. I've considered that maybe my shoe size has changed, but when I try smaller shoes, not only do they still not stay on, but they're uncomfortable because they're obviously too small! Could this be because I've lost strength/muscle in my calves??? I honestly feel like this makes no sense!

I know this seems like a non-issue, but I have a very hard time finding shoes for my work attire because of this. And I would like to know if I've lost muscle in my calves, if I can do something to recover it.

Thanks for any input.
Kristi
ChrissyH
ChrissyH
Kristi ... Before being DX I also wore high heels to work. I also started wearing smaller heels, until I started wearing secure fitting wedge heals. Unless I have sneakers or secure fitting shoes with some type of heel it is more difficult to walk. I can no longer wear flip flops or go barefoot. U may have lost strength in your calf muscles. I try to do leg streghening workouts 3-4 days each week.
mtrimble615
mtrimble615
Same is true for me. Sneakers or flats only. Living in AZ - I would like to be able to wear flip flops but cannot keep them on my feet anymore.
MsRee
MsRee
Hello Kristi, i'm a heel lover myself and was devastated once I noticed it getting difficult to wear my pumps and stilettos to work. I started trading them in for flats which I didn't even own a pair prior to MS. So I have been finding thicker heels to wear and of course wedges. So try the clunky heels and see how you do in them. Good luck!
superteacher
superteacher
Try looking at both Vionic and Cobb Hill shoes online. Super comfort and very stylish.They have both casual and dress styles. They are more expensive, but the comfort is well worth it. I have several pairs of both in various styles. I have MS and can only wear flat shoes now. I honestly don't know what I'd do without either of these brands. your local stores may have them for you to try on. Good luck!
alitax86
alitax86
Oh, I know this situation well. I must have shoes that are held onto the foot in some manner.
yankee1956
yankee1956
Only flats here, I think I've ruined all my foot nerves now.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
OH my. Sorry I didn't see this sooner, Kristi! Yes, my ability to wear heels dwindled down to where I wear sneakers most of the time. If I were working, I'd find some productive short wedge/flats.

I just love the "Classical Stretch" program with Miranda Esmonde-White - it's on public television here a few times daily. She has a calve raise exercise where you stretch up on your tip toes and bend the knees forward just slightly (never to where the knee reaches over or past the toes) and then gradually lower/press the heels down to the floor... there's a video online that goes over the movements. Hope it helps you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RJq_SIMBFQ&list=PL-JAI-g0VrzolRgrBHKYcqR46PB0lm0tG&index=10
(It seems to help me.)
Raevoom
Raevoom
Flats are impossible. I need LIGHTWEIGHT sneakers with laces. I wear Saucony Original running shoes (lots of colors) because other brands don't work for me. I need laces. I am lucky that they do not cost a ton like many other brands. Regarding shoes, I cannot wear closed shoes. Even though I do not have narrow feet, I need Narrow or AA SANDALS that have wedge heels of 1 1/2" to 2". Need sandals that have straps so I can tighten them. LOTS of trial and error. I have been lucky with Clarks, again, trial & error. Hard to find snow boots. I am thankful for Zappos' free shipping & returns. GOOD LUCK SHOPPING
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