Pain and Discomfort RELIEVED with putting SHOES On. Anyone experience?

Hi @smn1, I can definitely relate to the discomfort in the morning and at bedtime. I don't have pain with my neuropathy but do have the numbness and some tingling made worse by having to wear compression socks during the day for lymphedema in my legs. I do feel somewhat better after putting the shoes on but for me I think it might be because I start moving around and get caught up in my daily routines and my focus is no longer on compression feeling on my legs.

Do have any swelling in the feet and legs that go along with your other symptoms?

Good morning, @smn1

I, too, benefit from putting my shoes on, but for a somewhat different reason. I've large-fiber neuropathy, so no pain but plenty of balance issues. The difference in my case between shoes on/shoes off begins with my having worn custom orthotics since the 1980s (the years I was doing lots of long-distance running). My joints––ankles, knees, hips––grew so accustomed to the corrective support the orthotics were giving me, that now, if I've got them in (i.e., if I'm not wearing my shoes), my joints begin to scream.

So, you see, I, too gain by wearing shoes, if for a somewhat different reason.

My very best to you!
Ray (@ray666)

I feel for you. It’s so frustrating. I wear very very cushioned walking shoes even around the house to do chores or cook because standing barefoot on a hard floor is brutal on my neuropathy.

I agree the odd sensations I feel when barefoot are less noticeable with shoes. But one weird sensation I get from shoes is feeling like I’m walking on honeycomb even though the shoe lining and design all the way through is flat and smooth. Neuropathy seems like nerves on acid. Nothing you feel is appropriate for the stimuli.

I do have lots of terrible shooting pains in my toes and feet mostly when I’m resting at night and take pressure off.

Hi .. I have cipn neuropathy and have purchased many walking type shoes; My best so far has been a comfort tennis shoe.. They are called “Barefoot shoes”, I do not want any height on my shoes now due to my balance issues.. These type are great for me.. Wide toe box, flexible, conform to your foot shape.. I love mine.. They advertise several different types.. Also the prices are not bad compared to other brands I have purchased in the past…

Hi John, fortunately no swelling for the most part. I do get the sock ring and such and wear an AFO on my left foot. Which I switch to different styles so it doesn't wear out just one area of my shins. I found an excellent brand of compression socks, nice an thick material. And they help as well but I don't use them all the Time. Thanks for your response and keep up the good work U do around here...

That is my experience as well. I was slow to figure out that the pain was neuropathy and not aging. I had a feeling like my toes were dipped in wax for several years. I considered it curious, but wasn’t concerned. Four years ago I felt like I could feel a ridge under my toes in my shoes. Two years and multiple styles of shoes later, it dawned on me that there was a problem.

I had been wearing Skechers and found them comfortable for a while and then I could feel pain from the weave of my socks. The sensation of having my feet dipped in wax has been advancing and is almost to my heels now. I found some sandals that are better, but I experience considerable pain by evening. My gait is also affected.

I finally got a referral to a neurologist scheduled for next month. So I don’t know the cause of this. I am now experiencing stiffness in my fingers and find that I seem to tap the smartphone touchpad without feeling it.

I so appreciate everyone who shares their journey and tips for coping. Thank you all.