The Best Supportive Shoes for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and How it Affects Mobility

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It causes damage to the protective covering on nerve fibers called myelin. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to a wide range of symptoms.

One of the most common symptoms of MS is difficulty walking and problems with balance and coordination. Over half of people with MS experience mobility issues at some point due to muscle weakness, stiff muscles, numbness, and vertigo.

How Multiple Sclerosis Impacts Your Ability to Walk

MS symptoms often worsen with heat and physical activity. Something as simple as a walk around the block can overwork sensitive nerves and shorten strides. Numb feet and legs make it hard to lift your feet properly when stepping.

Vertigo, one of the most debilitating MS symptoms, causes distorted spatial perception. This makes upright walking nearly impossible at times. Losing balance easily raises your risk for dangerous falls.

Why Proper Footwear Matters

While MS symptoms like mobility loss cant be reversed or eliminated, supportive footwear can help compensate. With the right shoes for multiple sclerosis, even simple acts like walking the dog or grabbing the mail become more feasible.

Shoes for MS patients focus first on comfort to avoid aggravating symptoms. They also provide stability and shock absorption to maintain balance. Many also have ankle support to help lift feet. Therapeutic features in MS shoes promote safe walking and independence.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for MS Shoes

1. Comfort

Comfort should be the number one factor to consider when shoe shopping with MS. Any shoe that rubs, pinches, or puts excess pressure on feet will heighten pain and fatigue.

Look for shoes with padded collars, soft fabric linings, and maximum cushioning. Removable insoles allow you to insert custom orthotics as well. Prioritize slip-on shoes that put no pressure on feet when putting them on.

2. Adjustability

MS symptoms fluctuate daily, sometimes hourly. Numb swollen feet one day might feel tingling and ultra sensitive the next. Shoelaces and buckles allow you to loosen or tighten shoes as issues shift in your feet and ankles.

Opt for laces over Velcro straps which can press and rub. Wide openings permit variable swelling too. You want shoes adapting to you, not the reverse. Adjustability ensures sustained comfort as MS changes.

3. Lightweight Construction

Heavy shoes require more effort and energy to walk in. For those battling chronic MS fatigue and mobility issues, lightweight shoes can make a huge difference.

Look at materials first. Breathable mesh uppers, EVA midsoles, and flexible rubber outsoles prioritize movement over bulk. If wearing ankle or knee braces for stability, counter their weight with featherlight shoes.

4. Removable Insoles

Removable insoles serve an important purpose in shoes for multiple sclerosis patients. They allow you to insert custom orthotic inserts molded specifically for your feet.

Visiting a podiatrist ensures proper arch and heel support which can improve balance and stability issues associated with MS. Prescription orthotics also help position feet properly when lifting and placing down while walking.

5. Cushioning and Shock Absorption

Pressure on the feet and joints from walking and standing aggravates MS symptoms quickly and causes pain. Prioritizing ample cushioning and rebound lessens this strain, making mobility more sustainable.

Look for advanced cushioning systems in the rearfoot and forefoot. EVA, memory foam, and gel provide soft rebound too. Some shoes have air pockets or fluid filled pods for extra numbness relief underfoot.

6. Stability Features

Stability is everything for MS patients struggling with balance, gait abnormalities, and drops in coordination. Shoes providing corrections and support decrease the risk for painful and dangerous falls.

Features like midfoot support plates, torsion bars, and wide heel counters realign and steady uneven steps. Outsoles with traction grip varied terrain while raised randing ensures feet stay firmly planted walking.

7. Ankle Support

MS patients frequently experience "foot drop" where toes catch the ground when stepping due to weak dorsiflexion. Rigid heel counters and supportive collars hold ankles in proper alignment to aid lifting.

Height and design vary, but extensions stabilizing and protecting ankles assist with picking up heavy numb feet. This lessens drag and tripping for safer mobility without falls. Support also prevents rolling ankles on uneven pavement.

8. Proper Sizing

An improper shoe size guarantees discomfort. Look for wide toe boxes allowing ample room for numb swollen feet and toe splaying when walking. Constricting Design Tip:toe boxes causes nerve pain. Ensure heels seat securely so they don't slip and slide when worn.

Measure feet at the end of the day when swelling peaks for accurate sizing. Half sizes permit a closer ideal fit too. Trying shoes on with custom orthotics is also recommended. Buy for the size of your feet today to allow for adjustable closures easing fit tomorrow.

The Best Shoes for Multiple Sclerosis

1. Vionic Tide Rhonda Ankle Strap Sandal

With soft woven straps, a cushioned footbed, and built-in orthotic support, these sandals deliver unbeatable comfort and relief from MS symptoms. A stabilizing ankle strap promotes security while walking without chafing rubbed feet.

2. Orthofeet Asheville Comfort Therapeutic Sneakers

These therapeutic sneakers have superb arch support, cushioning, and stability enhancements to aid impaired mobility. Seam-free fabric lining wicks away moisture and massaging footbeds follow the contours of your feet for custom comfort.

3. New Balance 608v5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainers

New Balance's premier stability and motion control cross trainers have all the corrections needed for misaligned MS gait. Cushioning softens impact through heel and forefoot for pain-free training while leather construction breathes and flexes.

4. Orthofeet Naples Heel-hugging Orthotic Slippers

Supportive orthotic insoles, anatomical arch support, and heel-hugging structure provide therapeutic relief at home. Extra depth design accommodates swelling, braces, and orthotics with non-binding upper. Less pain means more restful sleep.

5. Taos Crave Heel Support Comfort Shoes

Shock absorption, stabilizing straps, and heel cushioning give MS patients support and energy return with every step. The lightweight outsole and breathable leather lining also add flexible durability for high functioning appeal.

Overcoming Mobility Limitations

While multiple sclerosis itself cant be cured, the right footwear aids patients managing its disabling symptoms. Supportive stability shoes with comfort features significantly improve mobility safety and reduce pain. Try various styles to find your perfect MS walking shoes!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.