@scampano3 I get it about the sneaker thing and hope. Getting the physical plus of more helpful activity and a temporary psychological boost are both relatively rare and much needed in our situations. " that is, they don't know why it's getting worse, and there's nothing I can do about it." "I am starting to feel a bit hopeless" When you are told by the "experts" what I quoted above no wonder you feel that way! Although honesty is important, dashing any hope for a patient's pain relief is a very unprofessional and ignorant bedside manner! Keep in mind; that is only what your doctor thinks and is perhaps a window into his expertise and abilities not that of the entire medical profession dedicated to this condition. On another note-I just bought a couple pairs of Sketchers (of all things). Many I know rave about them and for me the support and comfort are amazing, Brooks are great and worth it if you find the right ones and New Balance are basically work horses. Anyway Sketchers-I don't believe that I bought them.