If you have neuropathy from chemotherapy try Earth shoes

A possible side-effect of chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy. One of the symptoms is numbness or tingling of the hands and/or feet, most commonly affecting the fingers and toes. The neuropathy may diminish or even disappear completely after several months, but for some it may last forever. Individuals at greatest risk of peripheral neuropathy are those who have preexisting peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, alcoholism, severe malnutrition or previous chemotherapy.

My symptoms included numbness and tingling in my big toes. It may seem slight, but the neuropathy prevented me from wearing closed-toed shoes. Any pressure on my toes caused from pushing my feet forward, sent me through the roof. I tried some athletic shoes in a size bigger than I normally wear, but even that didn’t help. I wasn’t able to wear the shoes without experiencing some discomfort.

Fortunately, I could wear open-toed shoes in Palm Desert where I would spend the next 5 months. I started out wearing sandals on my early morning walks, but really needed a shoe with more support.

It was during my first visit to Idyllwild that I discovered the Earth shoe. Remember the Earth shoe from the 1970’s? Well, it’s made a comeback and is now available in several different styles. One of the company’s marketing tactics is to display posters showing several well-known celebrities who wear Earth shoes. I guess the message is to make you feel “cool” when you wear them, instead of like a “hippy” or “earth muffin.” I imagine that with all of the baby boomers turning 60+ the Earth shoe will become more popular than ever.

The charming owner of the Idyllwild shoe shop was a very knowledgeable retired Podiatrist from England. When I watched how he treated his customers, I knew I had come to the right place. After he slipped the Earth Shoes onto my feet I didn’t want to take them off, they were so comfortable. With the negative heel technology, there was no pressure on my toes. My posture also improved because the shoes forced my body into proper alignment.

I ended up buying some open-toe sandals like Earth Origins Women's Sedona Brown Sophie 7 B(M) US and some comfortable walking shoes similar to Earth Shoes Rocket - Womens

and some closed-toe clog-like shoes Kalso Earth Shoe Women's Black Patent Solar 8 B(M) US for Oregon. Now I find it hard to wear any other type of shoe, even though my neuropathy has diminished.
                                    

My tip to others who suffer from peripheral neuropathy is to at least try Earth shoes. They take a little getting used to because the heel bed is lower than the toe bed, which forces you to stand more erect. Even if you don't have neuropathy, the Earth shoes can help prevent foot problems and are great for people who have to stand on their feet all day: nurses, doctors, teachers, waiters, chefs, etc.