Cushiony shoes, knee pain, weight

[David Ragan]

I'm am ready to close out my sharing about my recent knee surgery with one final question.

Delivered to the house yesterday was a catalogue from "Gravity Defyer" shoes......

I'm thinking maybe I need some cushier shoes. These appear well made, springs made into heels (gimmick?)

Can try free for a month.

Anybody have these, or any other ideas?

I need a pair of dress black, one of brown, and a shop shoe.

There is a store round here that has one of those machines you stand in to fit you....never seen it, I guess it measures for weight distribution. Is this a gimmick?

Does the above matter in regards to knee pain?

And-

I have already lost 15 lbs, and have another 60 to go to get to BMI of 27....These are permanent changes, folks. Hopefully not a fad.

I finally am ready to deal with my obesity and how I "use" food.

Every night I struggle a little with thoughts of ordering a pizza, or going to get some Popeye's chicken. Sounds absurd, doesn't it?

Have a Vitamix, am putting in lots of frozen vegetables, with gut nutrition, and eating meat. + nuts. little to no grain. Don't tell Archer Daniels Midland or ConAgra. Yum Yum on the coconut and chocolate greek yogurt.

[Grant Wilkinson]

I don't have your weight issue, but I have had two partial knee replacements. I got a pair of New Balance Walking Shoes and they are great.

[Bruce Volden]

I too had knee and hip problems, battled for several years with it. (no surgery) Some one at work said to try some arch supports, I did and immediately noticed a difference! Got them from some off the shelf place in the store. I also am a firm believer in HIGH QUALITY shoes. I have New Balance, and a great pair of SAS shoes (both made in USA!), lightweight and excellent quality. I am a janitor at a school and average 5 miles per night on my feet during my shift, I have hit as much as 11 miles though (game nights--hate 'em).
The weight issue---hey! you're from Georgia--great food! You can do it.

Bruce

[Wade Lippman]

There is a store round here that has one of those machines you stand in to fit you....never seen it, I guess it measures for weight distribution. Is this a gimmick?

Walmart has a machine that tells you which of their 10 insoles is best for you. I tried it 5 times and got 3 different recommendations. Might be better than nothing, but maybe not.

I have custom insoles in my hiking shoes and ski boots. They make a big difference, but aren't cheap. I expect they might help you in your regular shoes, but don't really know that.

[mike mcilroy]

I have orthotic inserts and they help, see if your doctor can recommend some place to get them to avoid some of the gimmick problems. I also have anti fatigue mats all over the shop where I do the most standing. Try to have extras as floaters because I found a lot of times I would end up in the middle of some task and realize I was getting sore and found I was out of the matted area. Most of my soreness was lower back but I'm sure it would help with the knees.
I have the rollercoaster weight issue and could stand to drop 30lbs myself.
Good Luck.

[Justin Ludwig]

Aside from the weight you're putting on them, mobility is a major issue that strains the extremities (not just the knees, but hips, shoulders, etc). Most docs IME treat the symptoms with drugs, not address the issue (but to their defense, most people want a pill, not a solution). I feel the same about orthopedic shoes - they mask the problem, not address and fix it. That's my opinion, I'm no doctor.

I used to be an avid CrossFit person, but broke myself of that Kool-Aid. The single best thing I learned from those years were how to maintain and treat my body's issues - without medication. And I learned most from watching Kelly Starrett, DPT videos. He focuses mainly on athletes, but all our body mechanics are the same. Just search MobilityWOD if you want.

Good luck!

[Jim Koepke]

Every night I struggle a little with thoughts of ordering a pizza, or going to get some Popeye's chicken. Sounds absurd, doesn't it?

Anyone who has watched all the fast food commercials on late evening television knows of this struggle.

jtk

[jared herbert]

spend your money on an appointment with a podiatrist. They will have the best shot at diagnosing what the real problem with your feet is and hopefully help you with your foot pain. It worked for me.

[Brian Deakin]

Loosing weight

Tip

Write a food diary, that is plan what you are going to eat over the next 3 days and purchase that food Additionally decide on a little treat for yourself (ideally not food ) if you stick to the plan

Recognise times/situations when you are likly to raid the fridge or surcome to temptation Decide on a action (distraction) you can do instead of eating at this time eg stroke the dog make a drink repeat this action each time you have the temptation

Other... each time you feel hungry have a drink of water the brain can mistake thirst for hunger

regards Brian

[Jim Matthews]

I'm having similar knee troubles, from athletic abuse as a (much) younger man
and weight gain due to little physical activity.

I fill up on fruit, and try to avoid foods that are white (unless they swam or flew).

I would recommend talking to your orthopod about a podiatry consult.

After properly fitted with shoes for walking, directed stretching exercises are in order.
Most of my knee pain is directly attributed to poor flexibility and limited range in my hips.

The only good thing I can offer you on your horizon is that most Yoga or Pilates classes
are attended by women that wear makeup to the gym.

[Keith Outten]

Shoes with plenty of cushion...try Crocs. I wear them almost exclusively. Crocs are inexpensive so it won't cost an arm and a leg to give them a try. I even wear mine on my treadmill every day, in my shop walking on concrete and just about everywhere I go unless I have to wear dress shoes.
.

[David Ragan]

Loosing weight

Tip

Write a food diary, that is plan what you are going to eat over the next 3 days and purchase that food Additionally decide on a little efor yourself (ideally not food ) if you stick to the plan

Recognise times/situations when you are likly to raid the fridge or surcome to temptation Decide on a action (distraction) you can do instead of eating at this time eg stroke the dog make a drink repeat this action each time you have the temptation

Other... each time you feel hungry have a drink of water the brain can mistake thirst for hunger

regards Brian

Great ideas

[David Ragan]

Shoes with plenty of cushion...try Crocs. I wear them almost exclusively. Crocs are inexpensive so it won't cost an arm and a leg to give them a try. I even wear mine on my treadmill every day, in my shop walking on concrete and just about everywhere I go unless I have to wear dress shoes.
.

I thought crocs were birkenstock knockoffs (thay i dont wear in shop since knee went south)- youre saying theyre padded Nd the padding stays puffy?

[William Payer]

Congratulations on your weight loss, it is a battle to change those old habits.

As others have said high quality shoes are a must. Also changing them out(replacing) at regular intervals is good practice. Runners get new shoes at regular intervals as the cushioning does lessen with time, often so slowly you do not realize you are losing the cushioning level that you had when they were new.

Custom orthotics help to keep your foot/leg in proper alignment and help correct any misalignment issues. Don't go for the "one size (or a few sizes) fits all" type. See a podiatrist (or an othopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle) and get a prescription set of orthotics. The are a few types, some of a semi flexible plastic (perhaps composite construction) and there are the full shoe filling ones that provide support as well as additional cushioning. The later cost me $295 but they are custom molded to your feet and do ease discomfort in the entire leg. The cost of that Dr. visit and the orthotics is significant, but nothing compared to the costs of additional care of wearing of the knees.

My family physician saw me looking at the BMI chart in the exam room and asked me what it said about me(he get on my case for being overweight periodically) I told him ," it says I'm too short! "

[David Ragan]

Aside from the weight you're putting on them, mobility is a major issue that strains the extremities (not just the knees, but hips, shoulders, etc). Most docs IME treat the symptoms with drugs, not address the issue (but to their defense, most people want a pill, not a solution). I feel the same about orthopedic shoes - they mask the problem, not address and fix it. That's my opinion, I'm no doctor.

I used to be an avid CrossFit person, but broke myself of that Kool-Aid. The single best thing I learned from those years were how to maintain and treat my body's issues - without medication. And I learned most from watching Kelly Starrett, DPT videos. He focuses mainly on athletes, but all our body mechanics are the same. Just search MobilityWOD if you want.

Good luck!

You are right
i am a family doc- and nowadays the correct way to discuss *anything* besides the obvious complaint u should ask if they want to go there first. Gone are they old days where you just come in and say this or that
This is the polite thing to do. Nobody likes being hammered w unsolicited "do this/dont do that"
****Especially lifestyle stuff
its not lack of caring on our part-dont blame the physician is my point
Such is Life

[Brian Deakin]

efor should read treat

[Bryan Rocker]

Well I am a "big boy" too, I have a very bad back and have struggled with good shoes. I am not sure if it will help you but this is what I have done.

First very soft sole shoes wear extremely fast. Not worth $60 every 3 months for a new pair.
Second I upgraded some time ago to a pair of Dasko shoes, spent $130 and they have been very durable, they are brown and proffesional work grade and shop worthy
Third, bought a pair of Ecco light way black shoes, they are ok and durable but they wind up hurting my back and have been retired.
Fourth, I just bought a pair of "Sears Craftsman" black proffesional work grade shoes and they are very comfortable and they are black and shop worthy. I would HIGHLY recommend them
Fifth, get a good pair of inner sole, your PT may carry them and have them molded to your feet, money well spent.

All New shoes sold regardless of the brand have crap for inner soles. I ALWAYS pull them out and throw them away.

Hang in there, I weight about 275 and I can say outstanding for losing weight!!!! I am not there yet....my SWMBO has lost over 40lbs so its possible!!!

Feel free to PM me!!!!

[Phil Thien]

Lots of great advice so far.

A couple of months ago I got some Merrell hiking books. I find hiking shoes and boots often provide a lot more long-term comfort compared to most shoes I've worn. These Merrell boots are some of the most comfortable footwear I've ever had.

Let us know about the spring shoes you're going to try!

[David Ragan]

Congratulations on your weight loss, it is a battle to change those old habits.

As others have said high quality shoes are a must. Also changing them out(replacing) at regular intervals is good practice. Runners get new shoes at regular intervals as the cushioning does lessen with time, often so slowly you do not realize you are losing the cushioning level that you had when they were new.

Custom orthotics help to keep your foot/leg in proper alignment and help correct any misalignment issues. Don't go for the "one size (or a few sizes) fits all" type. See a podiatrist (or an othopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle) and get a prescription set of orthotics. The are a few types, some of a semi flexible plastic (perhaps composite construction) and there are the full shoe filling ones that provide support as well as additional cushioning. The later cost me $295 but they are custom molded to your feet and do ease discomfort in the entire leg. The cost of that Dr. visit and the orthotics is significant, but nothing compared to the costs of additional care of wearing of the knees.

My family physician saw me looking at the BMI chart in the exam room and asked me what it said about me(he get on my case for being overweight periodically) I told him ," it says I'm too short! "

I see the ortho tomorrow and will ask him about it-
would be great to claim on my HSA acct

[Brian Deakin]

The same principle can be used with exercise

Write a diary of what you are going to do over the next 3 days

Eg Walk to bus stop meet wife, the reward of meeting the wife encourages you to make the journey and helps get over any barriers eg pain, apathy about your current health

Evidence suggests people who do this are more sucessful in thier recovery programme

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Congrats on the weight loss David! I lost 65 pounds a few years ago as a result of a decision to change my lifestyle. It sure did. One of the fringe benefits of the loss was how much better my knees, ankles and hips felt. In my particular instance, the need for special shoes was eliminated.

[Andrew Kertesz]

I have always had good luck with comfort and support from Rockport shoes. Doc Martens are supposed to be another comfortable supportive brand.

[Rick Potter]

I had plantar fasciitis (SP?) for a while and wife bought me SAS (San Antonio Shoe) shoes. Problem gone for several years now. They make walking shoes and dress shoes, I wear the walking shoes all the time.

Made in USA, also.

[Justin Mitchell]

You might consider visiting a running store. I've had knee problems for a while, and had a great experience picking out shoes at a running store. They put me on a treadmill to analyze the way I walk, to determine if I was an under/over-pronator, which narrows down the shoe selection quite a bit. Then they put a different shoe on each foot and had me walk around outside. After I came back in, they left the shoe I was happier with on, and swapped out the other shoe. We kept doing this until I'd narrowed it down to the shoe that hurt my knee the least. It was pretty awesome, and made a huge difference for me.

[David Ragan]

Thanks to all.I will take all these ideas, do some research, then see the DPM, and see where I wind up.

[Erik Loza]

David, my wife has battled plantar fasciitis for years. It comes and goes and is debilitating when it happens. She recently got some custom orthotics and that made a huge improvement.

Good luck and I hope you make some progress with this.

Erik