Footwear is a "trial and error" exercise for most with CRPS affecting that area. And I've tried plenty!

As I really need the support of an athletic shoe because of other foot problems, but want minimum pressure on the foot from the shoe, I have had the best luck with New Balance running shoes; specifically the 883 model, which is designed with a roomy toe box and forefoot area.

The running shoes have a mesh over a good part of the top of the foot, rather than leather which is not as forgiving.

I also went from a regular shoe width to a 2E in width. The extra width giving additional room to the foot.

This shoe has really helped me a lot in pain reduction and in attempting to keep a good mechanical "gait" while walking.

Good luck.......

Yes before the accident I wore size 5 1/2. Now the smallest I have are size 7 with the leather and they are stretched out. My boots are size 8 1/2. Something just happens in my whole body when I get shoes and socks on. I try different things, haven't found the right combo yet. Skin is my preferred footwear. oh, and a size 7-8 mens slipper with lambs-like wool on the inside.

Thanks for all of your advice.. Grarme- what kind of sleeping meds do you take?

Debbie -

Sorry for the belated response. Ever since I've been with Dr. Richeimer (2003) I've been using a compounded ketamine gel. And it's funny, most of the pain in my feet is either compression (as in having my ankles garotted with steel bands), a sense of having my toes worked over with a hammer, or deep "bone crunching" pain in the ankle joint.

But late at night, for some reason, is when they turn bright red and begin to burn. The current mix is Ketamine, Gabapentine and Lidocaine (10, 5 and 5%, respectively) in an "Ogel," and works wonders. Although it's prescribed twice a day, I generally only use it at bedtime, unless my feet are really hurting and I have to put on shoes and socks to go somewhere. As such, 500 ml. lasts about two months, which is ironic because if I was using it 2/day as prescribed I would go through it in a month, and yet my insurance co. is only willing to pay for 400 ml./mo. as prescribed.

Why haven't I asked Dr. Richeimer to start writing a 400 ml. Rx? Because I just learned a couple of months ago about the 400 ml. policy from my wife, where we are required to pay cash up front and my wife - as the named insured - gets the check months later, depending on how may times the claim is rejected because the insurance company's clerks scan their own form in backwards! Still, it means that I write a check for $802.00 up-front, and three months later we get back $581.60 which is net of the $60 co-pay, so the carrier is clearly having the benefit of the float.

If WC can be compelled to pay for ketamine infusions, I don't see why the gel would have to be out of reach. But then, what do I know about WC?

Mike