Can't get around, but don't know what to get!

[Kelsey.23]

I read a lot about walking aids/orthotics before posting, but I just can't find what I'm looking for!

I get a lot of severe pain in my calves almost feels like constant knots, and the arch of my feet where it feels like I am walking on marbles.

It is better when I sit, but I can still feel it and everytime I begin walking again (and especially after sitting for a while) it hurts badly all over again!

So my question is does anyone know of ANYTHING to help me walk with this? All I can find is braces for foot drop.. a cane would not help for sure and I'm looking for anything before a wheelchair, as I live on the second floor of an apartment with no elevators and go to college where there are stairs and hills everywhere!

[CasinoKathy]

Welcome to MSWorld Kelsey!

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for you, but hopefully others will.

I have a weak left leg and some foot drop, along with bad balance. I use a cane, which works for me. Luckily the only pain I have is some occasional burning in my left calf and the bottom of my feet.

Boy, I sure hope you get some answers as all that walking the stairs and hill climbing has to be very difficult. Good luck! Casino

[katvar]

A podiatrist may be able to help. I had that awful arch pain last year. My walk is lopsided and I was stressing my feet. I had strained the arches of my feet and that caused the pain.

I was in arch wraps for a month and now I wear special (prescription) arches in my shoes. I was surprised by the easy fix.

I also went through physical therapy at that time to work on my gait because it was causing hip pain. I did water workouts and these allowed me to heal a bit.

Hope that helps.

[GEM]

Kelsey, your calf pain may be spasticity and the marble feeling is a parasthesia or mixed up feelings that come because of the plaques on the nerves. Both should be discussed with your neurologist because there are medications that can address these problems, if they are the causes.

[bubbadan]

another possibility is the Bioness L300. It helps with foot drop. Talk to your Neuro about being fitted for one to see if it helps. The company will usually let you try one. I use mine all the time. If I didn't have one I'd be stuck in my power chair. It doesn't help with the pain though. The VA paid for mine.

[kebsa]

I agree with GEM talk to your neuro to see if it is spasticity or not, that would seem to be the logical start then bring in advice from podiatrist, physios etc if needed as well- a team approach often works well