Appropriate wider socks to help with pain from my Idiomatic PN?

Posted by mistyisle44 @mistyisle44, 4 days ago

I have had IPN in my feet, mainly my toes, for over twelve years now. The pain, inflammation and tingling has progressed over that time. It is particularly bad in my right foot, which is the biggest of the two. My feet are flat but I have orthotics to handle that problem. I have good footwear which have a wider fit (the middle choice, the others being normal and extra wide). However, am still trying to buy wider socks, wider at the toe and forward area, but not wider at the ankles! Why is it so hard to find? At present the pressure of the socks makes my pain worse! Has anybody got any suggestion(s) about suitable socks?

As background, for PN I am on 175Mg of Pregabalin in the morning and 150Mg in the evening. Also 25Mg Nortriptyline each day.
I had been on 80Mg Simvastatin 10Mg Ezetimibe to lower LDL for 19 years now. Eleven days ago this was stopped and am now on 10Mg Rosuvastatin instead to see if that helps. I persuaded my doctor to make this change. I realise that any change will likely take months. It is well worth a try. It may or may not be the problem.

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mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | 3 days ago

My wife and I came across some diabetic socks in the pharmacy at our local grocery store several months ago, and they've made a huge difference. They're made with looser material, and fit my extra wide flat feet and shoes. I'm not diabetic, but I have neuropathy in both feet and wearing shoes immediately ramps up the pain in my feet, so I wear these whenever I have to, otherwise I go bare foot.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago

@mistyisle44, I have to wear compression socks which don't really help with my neuropathy but do keep the swelling under control. I have a couple of pairs of toeless compression socks that I wear sometimes. I know they make a lot of different toeless socks that may be an option to try. I would look for some with bamboo fiber that are really stretchy and similar to diabetic socks.

lynnerve | @lynnerve | 3 days ago

Wide open socks at REI. Expensive but worth it.

joanland | @joanland | 3 days ago

In reply to @lynnerve "Wide open socks at REI. Expensive but worth it." + (show)

@lynnerve What a fabulous message board to find somewhat unusual items that make our lives simpler and more pleasant!

mistyisle44 | @mistyisle44 | 3 days ago

In reply to @johnbishop "@mistyisle44, I have to wear compression socks which don't really help with my neuropathy but do..." + (show)

@johnbishop
Thanks for the tip about bamboo socks!

mistyisle44 | @mistyisle44 | 3 days ago

In reply to @lynnerve "Wide open socks at REI. Expensive but worth it." + (show)

@lynnerve Thanks, I had a look and they look perfect! However they don't ship to New Zealand! 😕

dorob | @dorob | 2 days ago

While searching for a solution to my wide, flat uncomfortable foot situation, I ended up at The Good Feet Store for orthotics where I was introduced to wide toe socks! The wider box while staying closer to the ankle has been quite a relief. Most shoes stores do not carry (or have even heard of) wide toe socks. I am not diabetic but have PN from a cervical neck situation. The socks and wide fit shoes are allowing me much more comfort and they are kind of padded in the right places. Check out these socks on the “OS1st” website.

laurenthewise1 | @laurenthewise1 | 1 day ago

I’m sorry you’re struggling with this! I also have significant foot pain and am always on the lookout for socks that keep my feet warm and comfortable.
I don’t have “wide” feet by definition but often wear wide shoes just for comfort sake.
As far as socks go I almost always wear cashmere socks. Recently I bought some from Quince and they are very soft and have a lot of of stretch so they never feel snug. They’re the regular cashmere socks, not the “slouchy“ cashmere socks. They’re not cheap but I take good care of them and in my case they’re worth every penny.
For cotton socks Wigwam makes diabetic socks that are very nice. They also make a thicker diabetic sock that I use sometimes to wear just around the house when I’m in my PJs but they wouldn’t fit in shoes. They’re not as soft as the cashmere or cotton ones but they’re nice in the winter when you want something that’s not quite a slipper but more than regular socks.
As far as slippers go LLBean makes shearling slippers that have a sole so if falling is a concern they’re helpful or you can step outside if you need to. They are also expensive but again, very worth it. They also have wide sizes.
For regular shoes I really like the brand Vionic. They have great arch support and the arch hits my foot at the right spot, which is something that I often have a problem with in shoes.
I really hope this helps!

dorob | @dorob | 1 day ago

In reply to @dorob "While searching for a solution to my wide, flat uncomfortable foot situation, I ended up at..." + (show)

@dorob
Thank you for your great ideas! It’s sounds like you have worked long and hard to find comfort. I once was a very active person but my foot, neck and knee replacement issues are certainly cramping my style!