Shoes After Ankle Fusion

[Micki Kuz]

I had my fusion surgery many years ago.. 46 to be exact.
I have worn tennis shoes for many years now and they have been wonderful for me.   Once in a while I'd like to dress up a bit but  can't find any shoe that is right for me.
I walk on the right side of my right foot.  I build up the heel with cushions, (it was set   a bit too high.)
 The pain at the 5th metatarsal is so bad without the tennis shoes, I can never wear nice shoes!  I've purchased all kinds of gel inserts but nothing helps.  Only tennis shoes!!!
This may sound crazy but I asked me son to bore a hole in my tennis shoe where the pressure is and  it's amazing how much the pain has been relieved!
I just wish I could find a company that could help me.

[Melissa Neumann]

Hi Micki!

My fusion was only 2 years ago now, but I've tried many different kinds of shoes, and I have my favorites!  I recently purchased a new pair of tennis shoes (New Balance stability shoes) and I absolutely love them and all of the support they provide.  However, I totally understand your desire to have some dressierq shoes.  I'm the same way!  I talked to my ankle surgeon about this, and he recommended Dansko shoes ("professional" style).  They have what's called a divided rocker sole bottom, and are phenomenal shoes for those of us with fused ankles!  I have about 8-10 different pairs, and absolutely love them.  They don't bend, so the support provided is extensive.  They are quite expensive, but check out this website:  "6pm.com" and do a search for women's Dansko shoes.  They by far have the best prices, and typically a good selection.  Just make sure you get the Professional style.  You won't be disappointed!!!!!

Happy shoe shopping, Micki! 😃.   Let me know what you think!  You can email me directly if you'd like, at "neumann...@hotmail.com"

Have a great day!!!

~ Melissa

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Date: Sat, 3 May 2014 14:02:34 -0700
From: mkuzmi...@gmail.com
To: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Shoes After Ankle Fusion

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[Tracy Craft]

Roco in Cincinnati, Ohio is where I got gym shoes and house shows they also have a catalogue with Sandals and dress shoes

[Megan Keck]

Not sure where you are located, but The Walking Company has their ABEO ROCS line that has a couple decent looking options if a rockerbottom is comfortable for you. I haven't tried them myself yet since my others haven't worn out, but I have always been able get good shoes there. :)
(http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abeo_rocs.htm?utm_campaign=cj_affiliate_sale&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=cj&utm_content=1639679&utm_term=11463745)

[Micki_Kuz]

Thank you for your post.
  I contacted The Walking Co., and they told me where their stores are located.  Way too far from me.  So unfortunate!

I can order online, but then the return shipping charge would apply.

Maybe I can get my son to drive me to their store.  If the shoes work..it would be wonderful.  I can't go on wearing sneakers the rest of my life.

Have a nice day...

On Thu, May 15, 2014 at 2:32 AM, Megan Keck <megan...@gmail.com> wrote:

Not sure where you are located, but The Walking Company has their ABEO ROCS line that has a couple decent looking options if a rockerbottom is comfortable for you. I haven't tried them myself yet since my others haven't worn out, but I have always been able get good shoes there. :)
(http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abeo_rocs.htm?utm_campaign=cj_affiliate_sale&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=cj&utm_content=1639679&utm_term=11463745)

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[Polio Survivor]

Seems as if you need a custom orthotic. I have been 90% pain free for 35 years because of orthotics along with the shoes recommended by the orthotist. My shoes are not fancy, but at my daughter's wedding, my feet were the only female ones not hurting. I use General Orthopedic in Albany, NY. If you are not near there, call to see if they can refer you to an orthotist they know.

[Patti]

I have just had my left ankle fused, 2 weeks ago, and I know it will be quite awhile before I wear shoes, but was wondering what people do to have dressy shoes!! I think I will be giving most of the shoes I have now to a Charity shop as I am sure they are not going to be supportive enough. Do you have to ear tennis shoes or runners mainly?

[royj...@aol.com]

I could not wear heels again....I was a high heel gal but I can wear low heels. I buy mainly Hush Puppies pumps.

Hugs,

Vicki

[Patti]

Luckily I never wear high heels! Going to be interesting is a few months what I can wear.

[JennN]

I swear by Dansko's! Prior to surgery they were fantastic, fashionable and amazing, and I will only wear them after.  Even my surgeons have endorsed them heavily to me.

[Patti]

I will have to see if I can get them in Australia.

[JennN]

They are from the Netherlands originally, they sell online and I've found them on Amazon as well...

[Lisa Johnston]

I am getting my ankle fused on July 9th 2019, I am having a lot of anxiety about it, anyone have any advice with the aftermath of the fusion.  I know not everything will be as it has been without it, but is it a huge change? Hard to get used to the new way of walking, any advice anyone can give me?

[royj...@aol.com]

I think you will do just fine. For me it was a new way of getting around after I was healed fully but it's no big deal.  I am no longer able to climb ladders or jog well. And riding a bike I can't do either....walking on slopes are hard for me also. But my ankle was so bad...it had started leaning inwards, that I am good to go. 

One thing I learned was, I didn't realize I would not be able to put any weight on that foot for so long so I thought it would be an easy fix. I was wrong.  It was about 10 weeks before I could even put a little weight on it but by week 14 I was in shoes.  I also ended up having to use a walker instead of crutches. I was certain I could use crutches but with the weight of the cast, I felt off balance and felt more comfortable hopping around on one foot with a walker.  And those gel packs frozen were a godsend for me.

Good luck!

Hugs,

Vicki

[rabia shaukat]

I am also using walker instead of crutches. But i am worried because i feel little movement in my bone when i touch my foot with cast on floor.. please tell me is it the normal thing???

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[Lisa Johnston]

This will be my 8th surgery on my left ankle. The first three was removing boneb skin tissue and nerve surgery.  The others were reconstruction ankle surgery and the cadaver tendons and ligaments just kept deteriorating. Once again it is doing the samething and also I have a fracture from my ankle rolling outward when I was walking down steps.  So my surgeon said I now have no choice but the fusion.  It was something we had attempted to put off, but now I have no choice.

Lisa.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ankle-fusion-support/CA%2BXcuW3m2bGKdaJCD1W%3Dy8emeABP%2BscNU-f_s2UgjZ_z782Pww%40mail.gmail.com.

[royj...@aol.com]

Per my doctor I was told NOT to put any weight on the operated foot.  I could "rest" it on the floor when I was sitting but not to stand on it. So I really don't know if that is normal. I was so paranoid about this surgery, I overdid it with being safe. Even when I was told to stop wearing the shoe boot at 14 weeks and wear shoes...I didn't want to and my doctor about forced me to. 

Hugs,

Vicki

[royj...@aol.com]

Hi Lisa,

I feel really bad for you.  After going thru surgery ONE time that was enough for me. I was never a candidate for reconstructive surgery because of my age so fusion was the only option.  I'm so sorry.

Hugs,

Vicki

[JennN]

Wow! You have me beat. I have had 4 surgeries on the left ankle in total so far the last being a subtalar fusion with deltoid ligament recon and multiple lesions on the talus among other things. My physio have just set another appointment with the surgeon as they are concerned for my peroneal brevis, longus removed years ago. I'm going to the appointment, but I am refusing anything more being done. Fusion is a big deal. I am 6 months post now and walking around, but I still require a cane, can't stand long, or walk far, am supposed to avoid uneven surfaces and up inclines. Walked to the corner with my daughter and a crutch 2 months ago, my daughter is 17 and we have gone through a bad time, and she said she can't wait till we can have a nice long (3+ hr) walk like we used to. If I keep this foot and ankle it will never happen again. I have decided to amputate instead of any more surgery to repair what's irreparable. I want to walk and hike again. I wish you all the luck in the world with your fusion, it did remove my pain until this brevis deal. But it does have side effects on other joints and your gait, so make sure it's what you want. It is a LONG time to recover fully, follow all your dictors orders and don't forget the calicium and D supplements.

[jjfc...@gmail.com]

I had a tibiotalar ankle fusion 10 weeks ago. You didn’t say which joint or joints you are having fused, but mine is the main joint that moves the ankle up and down. My surgeon told me at my last follow up appointment that I would be able to wear normal shoes vs rocker bottom type. He was referring to running shoes, sandals, flats...we didn’t talk heels or anything, but I was pleasantly surprised as I was expecting to be told I’d need the special shoes or orthotics.

I did purchase a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam running shoes in a D width, due to swelling, and have started wearing them inside my home. I can only walk around in them for about 30 minutes before my foot and ankle (knee and low back) tell me it’s time to put the boot back on, but it’s not the shoes per say. I highly recommend the brand.

Good luck with your fusion. It was worth it for me. My ankle has not been right for many years and now I look forward to being active again.

Cheers,

Julie

Sent from my iPhone

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