The Girl With Arthritis

Photo credit: Psoriatic-arthritis.com Here's a controversial opinion: good shoes for people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) do not always have to be expensive. There, I said it. There's a lot to unpack in that statement. I am not implying that any old shoe from the clearance rack will work for you. Nor am I saying that you shouldn't consider investing in well-made orthopedic shoes; footwear is an excellent investment, and some brands are known lifesavers.  Read the full post at psoriatic-arthritis.com

Heel pain is very common with psoriatic arthritis. I'm not am exception to that. Some mornings I wake up feeling as if I slammed my heels into the pavement for six hours straight. In fact, sometimes I imagine that cutting off my heel would feel better that living with it. Walking isn't always pleasent either: It can feel like walking on spikes. Recently my rheumatologist gave me a miracle: Heel Cups. They're just like they sound: Little foam wedges that cup and cushion your heels. They're like shock absorbers for your feet. And gosh, it's like a piece of heaven in your shoes. I've worn them in two pairs of shoes and so far they've fit both well. That's surprising considering I already have enough 'equipment' in my shoes as it. Anyhow, heel pain or not I highly recommend looking into getting a pair. They do absorb the impact of walking (or rather, limping) and make it easier on your feet and other joints. Look for foam ones that are thick: ...

I've never had braces or splints before. But there's always a first time for everything. To put it bluntly I may need a back brace. My spine is somewhat curving due to the arthritis, so a back brace may help. I won't know if this is the case for about three months. It's taking so long because we're going to try correcting this problem from the start- of me, anyway. I'll be trying orthopaedic arches in my shoes for a while, to see if that's what is causing the curving as well as some of the pain I experience. Due to being flat footed as well as having knock knees, I may be in more pain than Arthur is actually giving me. However, if that doesn't help my back I will be getting a back brace. It isn't actually a traditional brace, it's more of a wrap around my tummy. The doctor told me its mostly for when I need stability when lifting heavy things (or in general) and for when I'm in pain. It doesn't sound too bad: since it's a wrap...

I'm doing the unthinkable: I'm going to wear high heels. You might call me mad- even I'm calling myself mad! But I'm doing it anyway. Not without reason of course. I have a special event coming up in the next months. Everything is all set: I've got a dress, a date and all the trimmings. And even some shoes of the high heeled variety. Granted, their not very tall, but it's still a challenge. I made sure they had support and a thicker heel for stability. I've been wearing them at home whenever I can. I figure I might as well gradually get used to them. Hopefully, it will all go to plan and I won't be in agony for the night. Hoping. Anyway, practice makes perfect. Speaking of practice, I should probably start practicing dancing in my shoes. After all, I really don't want to break my ankle.