Re: orthotics and tennis shoes

[Guest guest]

Hi Gretchen,

Its interesting that you get by with orthotics and tennis shoes! My

orthopedic surgeon would only prescribe a brace because my feet are

so weak. I wonder how many CMT-er's get by with orthotics alone? An

interesting poll question -- lol.

Helen

[Guest guest]

Hi Helen,

First off, remember I had foot-tendon surgery years ago, so I don't

have drop foot. Because I have been doing so much footwork (lol) -

meaning exercises, walking in sand, biking, aquatics, etc., and

wearing good shoes for years, I do not have atrophy or weakness in

my foot muscles.

My Internist, being a runner, showed me his orthotics, and

originally sent me to my orthotist, who made some special for my

feet. I guess I don't think of New Balance shoes or the like

as 'tennis shoes', tennies to me are more like Keds or something.

The combo of my orthotics and New Balance shoes are just dynamite.

My Internist told me that he intends to keep me on my feet forever -

without bracing; he feels bracing in my case would cause healthy

muscles to atrophy, and he wants me to keep doing what I do to keep

the muscles in tip top shape.

Also, by nature, I am a 'toe walker' - have no footdrop, and my

peroneal muscle is still functioning well. So, this is how orthotics

and my New Balance Cross Trainers help me. I used to put a Spenco

insole shockk absorber in my shoes too, but Stefan (the orthotist)

said this is too much, and in making my orthotics, he was able to

combine the effects of shock absorption. New Balance shoe technology

is outstanding and supportive for me, even without the orthotics,

but the orthotics allow me to do more and do give more arch support.

~ Gretchen