Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Its cause is unknown but it is more prevalent in Caucasian women in their 30s from the Northern European countries and the Northern part of the United States. Balance issues, paralysis and vision loss are common to all the types of multiple sclerosis. They come to Pedorthic attention with the need to help with balance and stability in walking. Shoes that will fit their braces is a common need.
There are 5 mains types of MS (listed below) that range from mild to severe types. All have an element of serious symptoms (relapses) and recovery, some with little progression of the disability up to continuous deterioration.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Benign MS
- Relapsing-remitting MS
- Primary progressive
- Secondary progressive
- Progressive relapsing
Symptoms:
- Poor balance
- Walking and gait problems
- Impaired vision
- Paralysis
Signs to look for:
- Diagnoses
- Balance, walking and gait problems
Possible Causes:
- Unknown cause except the above racial predisposition
- Stressful life events have an association with the beginning of the disease
- Tends to run in families
Goals:
- Restore balance
- Control motion of the feet
- Improve gait
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal life
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- For Smart footwear, wear stable heel to rocker shoes (as long as practicable), negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Stop wearing wear pumps and high heels
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
- It is not unusual for bracing to be used to aid in ambulating and stability
- Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, wedging and flares may be necessary
Activities:
- Medical treatment as necessary
- Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming and bicycling (non-weight bearing)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Text: A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, MultipleSclerosis.com