Before I review these shoes I would like to explain the reasons for their purchase as I am not a 'trainer girl'!
It started last august when whilst walking round Grantham market I suddenly developed an excruciating pain in my left heel. I literally could not walk on it - there had been no trauma, no fall, no uneven surface and no apprent reason for any of it.
My partner and I were on holiday at the time so we went straight back to our caravan and I rested my foot overnight, but the next morning I could not stand at all, and because of my disability in both wrists I couldn't even support myself to move round the caravan.
The site office directed us to Grantham Hospital where my foot was examined by two doctors. I was given anti-inflammatory tablets and pain killers, strapped from toes to knee, taught how to walk with elbow crutches and told to visit my doctor when I returned
home.
The rest of the week was difficult but we still had a good time. The pain, however, was not subsiding so, off to the doctors I went. My doctor read the notes from the hospital, and did not even examine my foot, in fact showed very little interest at all. He said I had Plantar Fasciitis and I needed to see a podiatrist, he also added that this was not a service available on the National Health - I left the surgery feeling very small and in a lot of pain.
I found a podiatrist, who, at great expense (£250) has made some orthotic insoles for my shoes - problem is that while my heel remains inflamed I cannot use these. I ought to also say that I have been having accupuncture and this time even that is ineffective.
I checked my condition on the internet and found more information - I have a 'sports' injury - and sports sites recommend several exercises to get the muscle under my foot moving in the mornings as it seizes up overnight. A night splint was also recommended to hold my foot at right angles to my leg while I sleep (bought that from the states, the doctor would not refer me so that I could get one on the NHS) - trouble is you can't sleep while wearing it-so its only good for a few hours.
Things were going from bad to worse and still my doctor was not interested - I remained in horrible pain and literally, staggering around on crutches.
Whilst visiting my son in Swindon he got worried about me and insisted on taking me to his local A&E - the medical staff x-rayed my foot and said there was nothing they could do - they said I was walking 'funny' due to the severe pain in my heel and if I wasn't careful I would do more damage.
I went back to my doctor who then decided to inject my heel with steroids to reduce the inflammation - That really hurt - but did not make it feel better. I had to insist that I was referred to a consultant for soft tissue problems - that was six weeks ago and the appointment has not come through yet.
Every pair of shoes felt rock hard under my heel - even the softest of slippers felt like concrete with spikes. I began to feel like I was losing the plot.
A further visit to the doctors last week (why am I beginning to feel a nuisance?) has left me signed off work for one month initially, still in pain and still on crutches.
I had been wearing a pair of trainers that my daughter had fetched for me when this first started - but lately even though they had raised my arches - I was unable to walk in them.
My son suggested Nike Air trainers, saying that Nike had invented a a system where the heel of these shoes had visible bubbles of air to cushion heel strike and though sceptical I limped with him into the Nike outlet shop in Swindon. The idea was just to try a pair on and see if they made a difference.
I have to say there was very little choice in the Air Max range at the outlet store, however I tried on a pair in my size just to see if I felt any better.....
Wow - it can only be described as a miracle or even a Monty Python moment - the minute they were on my feet I stood up and for the first time in 3 months walked normally the full length of the aisle - my son just stared in amazement as did the shop assistants - my crutches were left leaning against the chair with my old (3 months old) trainers beside them on the floor - and I just laughed till I cried!!
Don't get me wrong I still have a problem but the air system in these shoes feels so soft that I can walk through the pain - yet the shoes themselves feel hard when you press against the sole - the upper is made of leather and breathable mesh, and, guess what, they are silver!!!!! Dancing trainers!!!! And at the amazing half price of £45 which was further reduced at the checkout to £33!
The arch support is just right and I truly believe that these shoes will help me to get better - I would recommend them to anyone who has to stand a lot or is on their feet for any length of time. I bought mine last Friday and I have to say although I know I still have major problems, I have not used my crutches since that day!
The bad news is that walking properly after all this time is causing pain in my back and hips - but I am determined to get better and thanks to Nike Air Max I feel I am able to do so.
Don't think I'll be dancing for a while yet but at least I don't feel quite so ready for a wheelchair!
Thanks for reading! Peace and Love Kate
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