Hi everyone, just wondering about the cold weather on the way and what to do about my feet? Socks and shoes send me into outerspace with pain. Does anyone have any ideas or tricks that they find helpful to deal with RSD foot pain? Thanks everyone!

Hi Karen,

The first thing I had to do when I developed CRPS in my foot was to get bigger shoes. Not only a little "longer" so toes weren't pinched, but also "wider" so there is not as much pressure on the sides as well. Have you experimented with this yet? Also be sure you purchase good quality footwear. I am most comfortable in New Balance 883 running shoes. They have a mesh on the top and sides rather than solid leather and that mesh allows some "give" between your foot and your shoe all the way around.

I can't help you much for socks, as I can wear regular socks. But I'm wondering if the socks they sell for diabetics (loose) might be something to consider.

They're not beautiful, but on days when I've had a rough time the last two years and it was chilly out, I would wear Crocs Mammoths without socks. I had another pair that I accidentally messed up so I saved the button-in liners and I just wash & exchange them. They'll wash up well as long as you hang dry them.

I also wore my daughter's Uggs boots. They were nice & comfy on the inside and not tight or anything.

Thanks PepperM.! I understand about your Crocs, that's all I wear. But my PM doc wants me to slowly start to wear shoes and socks. So today I wore sock for a 1/2 hour. I gotta start somewhere. thanks for your advice! Karen

men's cashmere socks?

cashmere is definately the easiest fabric on my skin. (hubby can't complain about expensive socks, right? )

i'm also a fan of chenille socks. i'll mail you a pair of those if you ask nicely.

and:
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/barefoot-alternatives/

Karen,
I was just thinking that this morning. Now that Fall has arrived the colder climate is in the air around here. So much not looking forward to Winter.
Socks and shoes don't bother me yet but my RSD has started in my left foot so it could go either way. I know my wrist and arm can't handle the cold. Just the little drop in temp now is painful.
I can relate to socks not being good for you because I tried a glove on my hand last year and forget that!
I wear a down filled water proof L.L. Bean coat and just keep my left hand in the pocket.
That got me thinking that maybe for you an over sized ugg type of boot should be worth trying. It would be water proof and therefor keep cold air off and the soft fur lining just might not hurt...

It has been a lot of trial and error for me to figure out what I can wear. Essentially I have one pair of gym shoes where all the padding in the top has worn away (from the various braces/air casts they had me wearing after I was first injured before the RSD diagnosis). I keep telling myself I will take a new pair to a shoe repair place and see if they can take the padding out along the top and see if that works, but I haven't yet. I just went through my closet last week and have away 45 pairs of shoes that I cannot wear, keeping just a couple for the day when I do decide to take them to a shoe repair place. That was sort of depressing but I hope that someone can use them because I never will be able to. Otherwise, besides my broken down gym shoes, I have been using slippers with rubber soles or shoes with open tops (like ballet flats) so that there is limited touching my foot.

As for socks, it always hurts to wear them but because I am SO sensitive to cool/cold air and even the smallest breeze the burning pain from the sock touching me in the lesser of the two evils. It took some time to get used to it and I try to wear socks that are loose (slipper socks sometimes work).

It sounds like you are on the right track with trying for a little bit at a time to get used to the sensation...but trying some of the things that others have mentioned may help make that a little easier. There are some good ideas that I need to check out I think. Good luck.

I have starting wearin UGGH boots with or without socks when I have to go out. I purchased them 1 size bigger than I normally wear. Expensive but worth it.
Also I wear chenille socks around the house - just cheapies from Walgreens - very soft & comforting.

Dear L.L., killin' me softly sister. Cashmere all the way.

Hi Alisha, I keep getting posts about UGGH (sp?) boots... where can I get some and are there different types? What style feels best? Thanks !!