This rug really ties the room together

[giza]

So, I'm 5 weeks into wearing my custom foot orthotics, and while I wish I could say I'm feeling 100% awesome, unfortunately I'm not. My knees are doing great, but my feet? Not so much. Walking around is pain free, but here's the rub: when I sit down, the pain starts. I'm not sure why that is, but taking off my shoes seems to help

Comments

[fenris_lorsrai]

Possibly the orthotics are putting just enough pressure on your feet when sitting that its cutting into your circulation OUT of your leg, so you're getting fluid buildup. Moving around gives it the extra oomph it needs to get fluid out of your leg. It may not be blood, it may be lymph which is generally moved by muscle movement.

[giza]

I was wondering about that too. I figure my doctor will start to look at things like that, too.

What really boggles my mind is that yesterday and today I kept my shoes off while I was at my desk at work, yet tonight the pain is worse than ever. And... I felt FINE during the day. It's literally within the last 2 hours when things went to hell. :-/

[fenris_lorsrai]

That IS weird.

You can try using a heat or cold pack to relieve pain for now, depending on which feels better. If you don't have a heat pack on hand, you can make one out of plain dry rice by filling a sock. (also makes a handy blackjack!) Then microwave. Cold packs are easy... just always make sure to have a package of frozen peas around. :)

Hopefully it's nothing serious and just requires adjusting your new inserts. I've had issues with my feet and foot troubles can be really vexing because you aggravate them everytime you do just about anything.

[giza]

I am NOT sacrificing my frozen peas! :-P

I actually learned a trick from my physical therapist many years ago: get a 20 oz bottle of soda, remove soda, fill with water, and put in the freezer. Then place the frozen bottle on the ground and roll it under my foot. The constant movement prevents frostbite and it helps massage the muscles on the bottom of the foot.

Unfortunately, this is the same sort of pain that I had since before I got my inserts (it started at Anthrocon, actually).

Upside: some of the pain I had (stabbing pains in the forefoot) did disappear after I got my inserts, so there may be some help there.

[sirfox]

as you change the way you walk, you're making small adjustments from your legs up to your spine in the way you stand and walk and carry yourself. These changes might be irritating to some nerve fibers when you're seated. If the burning you describe isn't accompanied by discoloration that might indicate bad circulation, it could be irritated nerves.

[giza]

This is true. I remember I was warned to increase my othotic time for an hour each day when I first got them, to give the muscles time to adjust.

No discoloration or visible swelling is present, either.

So, if my nerves are pissed off, which ones? And how do I treat them? Or is this a question for my pawdiatrist?

I should also note that reclining on my sofa or laying in bed is pretty much pain free.

[sirfox]

I would suggest looking up the services of a decent chiropractor. that's really their bag. One who went to the Palmer school is probably pretty low on the woo factor. (sis went there, i took an interest, they seem good)

[giza]

I'll keep that in mind, but I don't want to jump doctors too quickly. I've only seen my pawdiatrist 3 times so far (initial appointment, orthotic casting, and picking up the orthotics). I'm sure he has other things to try and tests to do if the orthotics don't relieve the pain.

Unrelated to nerve pain...

[tgeller]

I love the juxtaposition with Dolph! He is Master of the New Rug! Bare floors are weak and must be trampled upon!

Re: Unrelated to nerve pain...

[giza]

Yeah, I wanted something silly to put in the picture...