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Hello,

I have had a verbal enquiry from a GP re her mother. Mother has MS and in late 70's, uses a walking stick. She hip hikes to get ground clearance but because of anti slip soles doesn't always make it and falls.

The lady concerned is seeing and has seen a podiatrist for some years, who has dealt with the foot type of this ladyand provided insoles with heel raise/toe seperators which are worn in trainers. High arch and claw toes on both feet. GP unable to be more descriptive.

The question from the GP is:- is there anything that can be done to the shoe to take away the anti slip without adding to the depth of the shoe sole to enable a 'slide' - as this would certainly cause her to stumble and attempt to hip hike even more.

I have not seen said Gp's mother so cannot comment as to what is actually happening gait wise and have explained that I can only ask colleagues for ideas as they (colleagues) would be in the same situation.

 

Firstly, I would question why the patient is not using an ankle foot orthosis of some description to reduce the requirement for "slide"

However, assuming this is the best set up, send the shoe to a shoe modification company eg MAG http://www.magshoeservices.com/vcsite/ and ask them to change the forefoot of the shoe to smooth daynite or even leather. Unfortunately this in creases the weight but if the patinet is sliding the foot anyway, it might not make too much of a difference.

If you speak to Mark at MAG, and explain the problem, he will tell you exactly what to write so that it is done as accurately as possible

GOod luck

 

You have a nice opportunity to educate the gp. You have to hope that his definition of hip hike is the same as yours. You could then go on and say that one cause of hip hike is foot drop. Of course you have to give the caveat that is one thing you can't see over the phone. As Robin mentioned and AFO may be in order especially after she has had falls. Robin's idea about the shoe is good as well, or you could have her just get a new pair of shoes with a slicker bottom. She may already have that in her closet.

Eric

 

Thank you Robin, I will enquire.

Suzsi

 

Thank you Eric

Suzsi