http://www.doaj.org/

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/324/7335/466

(I know I've seen this article before, and thought it was already here in the Stickies, but apparently it was not before now. Thanks to Dahlek for pointing it out.)

http://www.apctoday.com/article_page...AID=4499&IJID=

-j

doesn't connect....so trying again!

http://www.apctoday.com/article_page..._Article1-fig1

Hope this works. - j

http://www.eprom.pitt.edu/UL_media%5C149993684.pdf
Worth a look-see? - j

Finally! Work is being done to identify our pains.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com:80/m...d=65639nfid=nl

It's gonna take a while, but we are becoming a true medical 'condition'? YES!

the site is at:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com:80/m...=65639&nfid=nl
Whew! let's see if this works? - j

YES it does! - j

http://www.medifocushealth.com/NR021/index.php

It's long-ish but easily asorbed. - j

From AARP magazine
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/prisoners_pain.html

Guess they have dilemmas as well. - j

The topic of shoes came up so I'll continue the discussion with this fairly exhaustive posting.

This is a summary about shoes to maximize your comfort, minimize pain, and avoid damaging your feet and nerves.

1) Shoes should be roomy in the toe box, snug in the heel area, and give good support. There should be NO squeezing of your toes or the metatarsal heads (the foot just behind your toes). Be sure there is at least a thumb width between your toes and the front of the toe box. The sides where the laces insert should be parallel or slightly in, indicating that there is enough room for your instep (the middle part of your foot). You don't need an arch support. If you have flat feet, an arch support will put undue pressure on your arch, making the PN in the area worse. If you have high or medium arches, a little rise in the arch area is OK as long as it is comfortable.

2) Our feet spread with PN so expect to need wider than you used to wear. The brand you've always worn may no longer be right for you. I went from 10 1/2 D to 11 EEEE. I used to run in Asics, but no longer can wear Asics (or run).

3) Try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are a little bigger, or whenever your feet are at their largest. When trying on the shoes, use the thickest sock you're likely to wear with that shoe. If your feet are different sizes, go for a good fit on the bigger foot. You can always add a thin insert for the smaller foot.

4) Acrylic socks are best. Acrylic doesn't compress so they give cushy comfort. Acrylic dries quickly, keeps your feet warm even if wet, and wicks moisture away. Next best are nylon/polyester blends, or wool. A LITTLE cotton in the blend is OK. AVOID COTTON SOCKS. They compress during the day, take forever to dry, and are cold when wet. When I used to run and backpack, cotton gave blisters. This is not just my opinion. It is what I learned in Sierra Club classes and is agreed to by Walking Magazine and Backpacking Magazine.

5) Fit is much more important than brand or cost. Shoes are made on a form called a last. Each brand uses their own last, so if you find a model that fits you, other models of that brand are liable to fit you. SAS, Spalding and New Balance work for me, so I don't waste my time on Florshiem or Nike (for example).

As a cost example, Tom McCann shoes in the wide widths from K-Mart work great for me as dress shoes, much better than $200 Italian shoes with a narrow toe box.

6) Walk around in the shoes at the shoe store until you are absolutely sure there are no places the shoes are tight, press, or rub.

7) Good fitting shoes should feel comfortable right away. Shoes do not break in, your feet do. To demonstrate this, put on an old pair of shoes you had to break in and that you haven't worn for a year. They will be uncomfortable, demonstrating that it was your feet that broke in, not the shoes.

8) Some brands to check out that work for me are:
- S.A.S. (San Antonio Shoes) Comfort Shoes, top rated by Walking Magazine
- New Balance, also top rated by Walking Magazine. Be aware that New Balance uses at least two different lasts depending on where they are made.
- Knapp shoes are well made and available in widths. Check the web site for where to by them.
- Again, fit is more important than brand.
- Other people have great suggestions that work for them. This is just a starting place. Be willing to try on different brands until you find what works for you.

9) Open sandals are great in warm weather. I like the kind with Velcro adjustments across the toe box and instep so they can be adjusted for socks or not. I get cheap ones from Payless Shoe Stores, Wal-Mart, and Sears. They look great, are comfortable, last a long time, are waterproof, and cost about $20 on sale. Again, fit and comfort are more important than the brand.

10) Don't go barefoot if you have PN. Imagine the pain of stepping on a stone, or hot pavement. You can seriously damage numb feet and not know it until infection sets in. Sore feet are far better than amputated feet.

11) Wear surf slippers at the beach, lake shore, or in streams.

12) I have a hard time telling if a pair of shoes fit when my feet are very sore or numb. You can tell a little by moving the shoes around to check fit, and being sure there is room in front and in the instep. If in doubt, don't buy them.

13) A good professional shoe salesperson is invaluable. Years ago I worked part time in a running shoe store. We were extensively trained and had experience in fitting shoes for individual needs. We also charged full list price.

Shoes are a tough area for us PNers. However, it is possible to get comfortable, protective, reasonably priced, and good looking shoes if you are patient. Once you find what works for you, it will be easier in the future.

Good luck.