Toe question...spasms?

[daydreamer]

After 14 years, I cannot believe I still have questions, but I do! Since I had an eye infection a couple of weeks ago, my MS has been annoyingly persistent in making itself know. The worst part has been the weak, wobbly legs. The crazy, bouncing things have pitched me off the stairs, and toppled me from upright positions more than I care to admit. But the new thing is the elf feet. My big toes no longer touching the floor. Instead, they are pointing upward. Obviously they are not fully erect, but out of kilter enough that shoes are uncomfortable. Other than going barefoot, does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks and God bless. Lumaie

[calcal]

Lumae! I remember your name. I haven't posted here in a long time myself. Hope your symptoms are only related to your recent infection and will resolve soon.

[calcal]

How annoying, I just lost 90% of my post above!

Anyway, as I was saying, baclofen might help if it's spacticity.

Also, some point/resistance foot movements might "retrain" your brain, also water or resistance bands or swimming could help strengthen the movements. Very slow and precise, deliberate conscious walking steps could help with the proper toe positioning, help with neuroplasticity and keeping those neural pathways working. Manually moving the toes down while sitting with your foot up on your leg might help "remind" your toes where they should be. Cottonballs in your shoes might help any rubbing.

Physio or occupational therapy could help, sometimes I've found physio youtube videos that give some exercises. Visualization and tightening, then relaxing toe muscles might help too.

All the best in 2015!!

[agate]

Hi Lumaie, and welcome back!

MS seems to kick up during and after any infection. Usually, with me, it takes a while before it calms down. The more severe the infection, the longer it takes the MS to quiet down. If you hang in there and are careful about making sure the infection doesn't come back, your symptoms might ease up too.

You've described a couple of problems that are exactly like mine--out-of-control legs that aren't taking me in the way I intend for them to. And sometimes I look at my toes and find all of them pointing straight up. I'm pretty sure they do that in my shoes as well--which would explain the blisters and calluses I've been getting on the tops of my toes lately.

Since I have diabetes, I go to a podiatrist and have "diabetic shoes." I've been told not to go barefoot, and that's probably good advice for people with MS too. If your feet are at all numb, you could easily injure your foot and not be aware of it.

A podiatrist might help to fit you with shoes that are more comfortable. I just switched to shoes with a taller toe box, and changed from shoes that lace to shoes with velcro fasteners because my feet were turning blue by the end of the day. The laces were doing something to my circulation, I think, because when I tried lacing them really loosely, my feet not only felt better--the blueness almost disappeared.

[Lazarus]

Toes!

Your post is timely.
I do the next best thing to going barefoot and wear shoes that help. Arcopedico. If you look at them on Zappos you can read all the comments of people that use them.

My toes FEEL like they are curled under but when I look at them they are not curled and I am surprised. I have gotten lots of blisters from them rubbing against each other. Finally I saw a doc who was not much help but did tell me to put band aids around the blistered toes. That is what I do and I take more baclofen. That works and the toes relax. All goes back to normal.

So, it appears that in my case the tendons? in the toes are making me feel like my toes are not flat when that are flat but also they must be doing something when I walk because I am getting calluses between the toes and on top of the toes.

Hurts! Wider shoes helped but, when I do want some shoe that does not look so clunky, Arcopedico does it. Baclofen and proper shoes.

[Cat Dancer]

Yes, its pretty common. Ive experienced this for years. There is a name for it, which ive forgitten. A doctor can use it as a diagnostic tool early on in some people. If the doc strokes the sole of your foot the toes should curl under; if they instead curl up (most noticeable in the big toe), then there are neurologicak issues to consider, ms being the primary one.

[Jeanie Z]

:) Hi welcome back. Baclofen should help, Have you tried an open toe sandal? That is what I wear all the time. Jeanie :)

[SalpalSally]

Hi Daydreamer and Calcal. Welcome back.
DD, CC gave you great advice above, As did others.

Good wishes to you both!!

[Cat Dancer]

Babinski reflex. Or sometimes called plantar reflex. The antispasm drugs may or may not affect it. My left toe is permanently pointing upward.

[Virginia]

Welcome back to the forum Lumaie and you too Calcal. I remember the names. My toes do similar things to those mentioned above and they seldom feel that they are flat on the floor or where they are supposed to be.

Can't add any advice that has not already been given.

[Sunshine]

Call your doctor. See what he or she recommends.

[daydreamer]

Physio or occupational therapy could help, sometimes I've found physio youtube videos that give some exercises. Visualization and tightening, then relaxing toe muscles might help too.

All the best in 2015!![/QUOTE]

Why is it I never think about you tube? Everything is on there-even stuff I do not want to see. My neuro and I have a system where he is on vacation whenever I want to see him. So, when he returns I will beg for a referral to a physical therapist. Thank you for answering. Lumaie

[daydreamer]

Hi Agate.
No, barefoot is not a good idea for me. I have a really bad habit of breaking my feet and toes. The last time I did it was a bit of a shock as I was running around in socks all day. When I pulled my socks off to jump in the shower, I had one big, blackish foot. Very startling for me. My doctor now recommends steel toed boots. They are not comfy.
I am sorry for the things we have in common. Could it not have just been our great looks and glowing wit we share? The wonky feet and legs should be for drunken elves!
Thanks and God bless. Lumaie

[daydreamer]

Well. duh. Sandals? I can do that around the house. AND, I think I will research those Arcopedico shoes. I hate shopping and had hoped to be done for a while now that Christmas is past, but...nah, I will shop for shoes if they might help. Thanks and God bless. Lumaie

[Lazarus]

About shoes

Hi Calcal,
I do not know if you have ever used Zappos.com but that is what I use. There are lots of consumer comments that help you with real information. If something does not work you can send it back easily. They are very customer friendly.

I actually call them to order....same as I do with LLBean. I just like talking with people.
The other good shoe I use with a wide toe bed is made by Clark's.

Good luck.