Peripheral sensory neuropathy - Anyone tried Walkasins?

Posted by ssjohns @ssjohns, Apr 25, 2023

I have recently been diagnosed with PSN and I’ve been searching for remedies. I am looking into the spinal cord stimulator and recently discovered a product called Walkasins by RxFunction. It is a prosthetic device you insert in your shoe which sends signals to your brain from the bottom of your feet. Looks promising for balance and gait issues and will help prevent falls because it enables you to feel your feet. This requires a doctors prescription and I assume is covered by insurance. Has anyone else use this product?

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Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Jun 24 12:59pm

In reply to @mistymom "Where do you get a gait analysis?" + (show)

Hi, @mistymom

Where can I get a gait analysis? Truthfully, I don't know. But I'm going to begin by asking my various docs. Surely one of them will know. I've got a little time. I'm guessing it's going to be another 3-4 before my foot has healed and I can again wear my orthotic-lined shoes.

Ray (@ray666)

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 24 1:03pm

In reply to @ray666 "Hi, @mistymom Where can I get a gait analysis? Truthfully, I don't know. But I'm going..." + (show)

I think Sue @sueinmn has had a gait analysis done and might have some good insight into how you can get tested.

mistymom | @mistymom | Jun 24 1:11pm

In reply to @ray666 "Hi, @mistymom Where can I get a gait analysis? Truthfully, I don't know. But I'm going..." + (show)

Thank you.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 24 2:19pm

In reply to @ray666 "Hi, @mistymom Where can I get a gait analysis? Truthfully, I don't know. But I'm going..." + (show)

Hi Ray - a rehabilitation physical therapist can do a gait analysis - this is not the "cookie cutter" PT they send you to after a hip replacement - think more for complex situations like recovering from trauma. Any department affiliated with an ortho or trauma hospital will know of the right people for you.

You walk on a flat surface, a ramp and stairs and they watch to see if you are favoring one limb, turning a knee or foot, etc. Then they coach you into the best walking posture you can manage - with or without an aid. If you use a cane or walker, they train you on the best use, make sure it is correctly sized and adjusted, even suggest alternatives.
Finally, they give you exercises to practice, and sometimes exercises or stretches to correct imbalances and strengthen your core.

They also had me replace my shoes, which had worn into my unhealthy patterns & ultimately I got new orthotics as well.

I was treated for years for back pain, including specialized PT and injections, until some observant doc x-rayed my hips & I had both of them replaced. I had limped (actually waddled) for so long that I had to relearn how to walk correctly.

I do have arthritis and stenosis (as most do at my age) but if my back hurts now, I know I need to get back to my core exercises and be mindful of how I walk.

centre | @centre | Jun 25 5:58am

In reply to @ray666 "Hi, @mistymom Where can I get a gait analysis? Truthfully, I don't know. But I'm going..." + (show)

I'd recommend calling a major Rehab Hospital, best luck would be one associated with a major medical center. and asking to speak with the PT department head and ask about a "computerized" gait analysis. The equipment must be expensive.
It is also true a well-seasoned PT can do a very good observation and make recommendations. I feel lucky to have found one that actually makes shoe adjustments, not many specialty shoe stores with that kind of expertise exist anymore., it seems to be all pre-fabricated orthotics.

Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Jun 27 1:46pm

In reply to @sueinmn "Hi Ray - a rehabilitation physical therapist can do a gait analysis - this is not..." + (show)

Hi, Sue (@sueinmn) (and cc @centre)

Thank you for suggesting that I talk to a rehabilitation physical therapist about gait analysis. I have left a message with a physiatrist who I believe is in the right specialty, either to help me himself or at least to point me in the right direction.

As I may have mentioned in my earlier post, I’m not in a huge hurry. Until the sepsis wound in my foot has healed and my wound doctor gives me the green light to wear shoes again (a few more weeks?), I’ll keep gait analysis in reserve for when I can relearn how to walk correctly.

You mentioned that you had limped for so long that you had to relearn how to walk correctly. I’m afraid that’s my situation, too. Because of the sepsis wound on my foot, I have been going about in socks (weight bearing is OK) for about four months. I know that when I’m back in shoes (with my orthotic inserts), I’m going to need some proper walking coaching.

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)