Shoe CROC

[TKR012208]

Well, I was doing so very well this past weekend, enjoyed the family get together (made Easter dinner) and by Monday 3/24, amazingly, had so little discomfort. Walked around the mall with my husband....walked almost at a normal gait with a little pep in my step.

Then we passed a shoe store selling a brand new version of slip-on CROCS with a slight wedge heel. Their latest product, I was told. Since I hadn't had a heel above my ortho-type shoes in almost a year, I tried them on...they were soooooooo comfortable, the elevation really felt good, the tiny massage bumps on the inside felt great when I walked, so of course I made the purchase. I walked around for a couple of hours and w/o the hitch in my get-a-long! Amazing!

Tuesday 3/25, major pain from the top of my thigh, down my leg and radiating throughout my body...I was a wreck. Today, 3/26, came to the realization that 9 wks post-op, I probably wasn't quite ready for the little wedge heel - paid the price - beyond the price of the shoes! Suffered through PT session this morning and am still on the mend. Am returning to work for the first time tomorrow since 1/18...hope I make it through the week w/o too much agony, you know, with a smile on my face for the whole human race!

Lesson learned - forget looking at my closet full of beautiful high heels that have been collecting dust it seems like forever and - forget the CROCS for now!

 

[JenniferG]

Funny I was thinking of treating myself to a pair of Crocs for spring and comfy after surgery shoe. Think the older version with more level sole is better?

 

[Doug]

Try the Dr. Scholl's(spelling?) Gel soles. I put a pair in my new walking shoes. Really cushions when you step down.

 

[TKR012208]

Not sure...it may have been more than just the slight wedge heel. I've also thought that since the shoe I bought has an open back, there's a slight pulling action that our legs do naturally when we walk with open backs (or flip flops) that we're not necessarily aware of - hence, the pain I felt in the upper thigh (not the muscle above the knee that was involved in the surgery). So, I surmise it may have been this combined with the elevation of the heel that messed me up so badly!

 

[Doug]

I don't know TK. It seems everytime I do anything I develop some type of new ache. Any pain in any joint I suddenly think oh no, I've worn another one out. . Stupid I know. I still think it's just our bodies adjusting to the new knee.

 

[TKR012208]

Doug, you're probably right. I find it so interesting how the whole body seems to react to the aftermath and recuperation of this surgery, which confirms that this was indeed "major" surgery we've all experienced.

You're right, again. The whole body has to heal and accept this new contraption in our knees. It's, afterall, a foreign object! The impact on us is felt physiologically, emotionally as well as mentally. Hey, that's why I love this site - makes me feel less abnormal - it's uplifting to connect with you all and no one minds the belly aching (I hope!).

 

[Josephine]

IOW "Getting to know one another other" Like this ...

 

[Jamie]

TK....thanks so much for sharing your story! I'm going to have to get a notebook soon and write all this stuff down for the future when I am able to be out in the world. I would have never thought a pair of shoes would cause such a problem. But in thinking through it, I agree with you and Doug that this operation changes EVERYTHING! Parts that you didn't even remember you had will hurt! I think you might be onto something with the open back on the shoe too. I know when I wear any type of slip-on shoe like that (mules), my leg muscles have to work a whole lot harder to walk because my foot moves more in the shoe with each step. For you to have walked an extended period of time in open back shoes....well, I guess I can see why things might hurt. Here's hoping you bounce back really soon!!! I'm betting you will because it sounds like you were really strong before this happened. Why do muscles have to hurt so much when they "wake up"????

 

[TKR012208]

Jamie...thanks for your feedback. I think women may relate more to the open back shoe walking process, than men. We've learned to walk with sling-backs and open backs (with and without heels)...and I'm sure we've noticed the "tug" on our muscles when we've worn certain types of shoes. Even flipflops require some effort (albeit subconscious!) to keep them on your feet -could it be that's why you see some folks sliding around with them on? With a normal leg, these tugs are not a big deal. But, with OUR legs, mama mia! All the best to you, too, Jamie!

Of course, I'm just speculating about the reasons for my temporary downfall. Analyzing it helps my psychie get back in gear! Maybe there's a podiatrist out there somewhere?

 

[Skeet]

I decided to stay with flats. I bought some Sketchers and I LOVE them. They are so comfortable and look good, too. There are tons of different kinds and colors. No heels for me for some time.

 

[Pattipoo]

I wore a pair of leather clogs to work yesterday....won't make that mistake for a while.
OUCH....I guess the tosey gripping action "toe up" my whole sleeping muscle structure, too!

 

[kath]

I have only worn clark clogs for years and years and hate shoes with backs in them now, but when I put my clarks on after my first knee they didn't feel right because my leg was straight they were broken in for the old position, so I had to grab something, tried sneakers, hated them even the expensive ones,decided to try to original crocs and it was love within 1 day. They have been a life saver, non-skid since I work in food business so that is great, I just got plain old black. I don't know if I can wear other shoes now....ha ha, but I will go shopping eventually for some new crocs. I cannot wear any sort of wedge in my shoes, not for years, throws my hip into spasms, I would say the old original crocs would be great. Check them out.

 

[kath]

see I am brainwashed already, shop for new clarks one day. I will wait for the big sale, we live not far from where they make them.

 

[TKR012208]

Kathy, now that you're brainwashed when you go shopping and get your new Crocs, advise which ones work for you, okay? Maybe I'll check them out....I'm not sold on those things yet, not after what happened this week, but I'll listen!

 

[JenniferG]

Yes, the clarks are what have moved to toward the end of my pre-surg knees. the higher end shoe seemed to just give me a little more comfort. I have 3 pair and will get more. Might just have to try some crocs original too though. Oh and I have seen cute sketchers. We're starting to sound like sex in the city for the knee club.

 

[TKR012208]

That's funny, Jennifer.

OK, folks, the clark clogs and sketchers...will certainly be checking these out! Thank you all so much for the input!

 

[JenniferG]

TK the clarks I have, none are clogs. They are privo nubuck slip on, some dressy low heel shoe with a girls name that will wait a while and summer sandal Artitan firefly I think. All clark though. The privo was the mainstay. and look it, ergo a shoe shop in the works. Also a pair of rykas have lots of squish & support and look normal, not orthopedic.

 

[TKR012208]

Ok, I sit corrected (standing hurts too much)! I'm printing out your info to keep in my purse for future. Thank you, again!

 

[JenniferG]

Oh no! she's printing it like we know something!!!!!

 

[TKR012208]

Hey, don't tell me you've given me a bunch of CROC! I'm still smarting way too much from the CROCS I bought on Monday!