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Calling all neuropathy people: Tips on footwear and avoiding falls

Posted by scain @scain, 3 days ago

I was diagnosed with neuropathy of the feet, ankles a few years ago due to diabetes 2. I have since read and heard about the importance of maintaining wound free skin as I understand that diabetics healing time etc. is longer than normal. Here is my dilemma. I am 78 yrs. old and one of my biggest pleasures is going barefoot around the house and backyard. Living in the NE, spring is always welcomed and it is almost a rite of that season, to be barefoot. Okay, that said, I also pay attention to warnings about wounds. So I was in our basement a couple of days ago and fell. My thoughts are that I have diminished feeling in the soles of my feet and wearing slippers in the house only makes it worse. I am okay. I seem to have a knack for breaking my falls so that no real damage occurs but how about foregoing slippers in my house and maybe lessening the chances of falling again. Just looking for your thoughts about this subject. Thanks in advance.

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scain | @scain | 1 day ago
In reply to @crabby55 "@scain my husband has been told a myriad of times by Dr's, PT's and OT's to..." + (show)
Profile picture for crabby55 @crabby55

@scain my husband has been told a myriad of times by Dr's, PT's and OT's to never go barefoot. He does as he sees fit. Once you've had cellulitis you are more prone to having it again. He's been hospitalized 3 times bc of the cellulitis. Perhaps rethink your spring ritual by sitting in place and running your feet thru the grass. I do empathize. My feet have been incredibly dry since I had chemo almost 25 years ago. I love going barefoot. And wearing very open shoes. Just this week I've had to reconsider thinking I need enclosed shoes mostly year round to keep my feet from getting overly dry. In my case it only leads to cracking but that is uncomfortable. I am very good about slathering my feet in lotion but the open shoes I think are problematic.

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thank you for your response and information. yes, I am in the dark about
cellulitis. I had never heard of it, didn't feel at all sick but because
the urgent care doctors and my primary care doctor made such a big deal
about it, I decided to schedule an appointment with the infectious disease
doctor. I am still confused about it and how did I get it and what can I do
to make sure I dont get it again. sorry about your feet. it really does
feel like if it's not one thing, it's another. of well I guess it's part of
aging and maybe that people were dying from it 20 yrs. ago but it was never
diagnosed or treated. still taking doxycycline until I see this new doctor.
and if I can't go barefoot anymore, I think I will just have to suck it up
as they say. thank you again

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flaherty2185 | @flaherty2185 | 13 hours ago
In reply to @crabby55 "Orthofeet is a brand that was recommended to my husband by the PT after he was..." + (show)
Profile picture for crabby55 @crabby55

Orthofeet is a brand that was recommended to my husband by the PT after he was released from the hospital for cellulitis. Unfortunately he has had cellulitis several times and most likely all because he will go barefoot. He has complete neuropathy of his feet from type2 diabetes. His feet also get terribly swollen from CHF. He still goes barefoot and bought some cheaper version of shoe from Amazon rather than go on site to Orthofeet. Not all of their shoes are pricey. They have a good range and also links to what may work best for those with diabetes or other foot issues.

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@crabby55

Ortofeet sizes run small, at least for me. Just sent my first order back

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