Custom orthotics can cost up to $5K a piece.....no small chunk of change. Most do not cost that much, but enough to make the insurance companies quiver...however, they can prevent a great deal of disability if properly fitted and worn dilligently....and yes, they do take a lot of getting used to....and if they hurt, too much, you need to call the orthotist back.

The thing is, orthotics and prosthetic technology is getting better and better and even computerized, so, there is hope if you can keep your muscles as stong as possible, and those nerves as stimulated as possible so they don't totally die off.

PN can progress, regardless of any efforts we make, but, we can at least say we went down trying. It isn't a disease where all things are predictable, nor do the rules that work for other diseases always apply here.

I will push the envelope to the best of my ability, as will most folks on here, and often that envelope is just getting out of bed, swallowing a gulp of food, stepping on a numb leg hoping it holds....one day it can be very little, the next day a triumph....it is day by day. And if technology can help me in any way, I am going to use it.

I hope your orthotics help you to avoid surgury, and also, ask about orthotics to help you keep your feet and ankles from further disability, as PN is a joint killer....neurogenic arthropathy receives very little attention and it is a serious consequence of PN.