Ankle pain and making braces work

[lesmom]

Good afternoon all,
Spring has started to show up and it really makes me want to get out and about and start to ride my horse again. However, I have not been able too for the past few years because the SJS and the Fibromyalgia and arthritis have caused my ankles to lock up and scream in pain when I have tried to ride. My boys are old enough and riding a lot on there own now that I want to be going out with them and checking cows or just for a pleasure ride like I use too, but I have to be able to stand up when I get off the horse. It doesn't take long for my ankles to lock up, and I just feel the horrible sharp pain that makes me want to just fall to the ground when I step down. I asked the rheumatologist when I saw him last month what suggestions he had for me, but he has no knowledge of riding, therefor no knowledge of what it would take to make my ankles feel better. Shoot he hardly has any knowledge on SJS. He did say I could go to an occupational therapist, but the one that I stopped in and talked to close to home really didn't have a good understanding either and just told me to go to the medical supply store to get a braces that I think might work and try it through trial and error.
So I come to you guys today to see if any of you might have suggestions as to what might relieve the tension on ankle joints, but prevent me from putting extra pressure on them through my heal?
Thanks so much in advance.
Love this sight and all of you for continually being here.
Hugs,
Leslie

[Reanne]

lesmom

i really don't have any suggestions, but my ankles also give me trouble, especially the left one.  Driving home the other night, just out of the blue, I had sharp shooting pains in my ankle.  I had to stop driving. I couldn't see because the pain was so bad.  I'm interested in seeing if some of the others have some suggestions. 

reanne

[Epson]

I know all about ankle and foot pain too well.  I can't take any NSAID, because of my kidneys, so I don't have a lot of option, braces didn't work for me, but that doesn't mean it won't help you.

The Z-coils that I bought have significantly helped with foot pain and a little for ankle pain by reducing the impact of walking.  Have you seen a foot and ankle specialist yet?  That should be your first step before you buy any braces, who knows you might make things worse. 

[Joy Cox]

Hi Lesom, It's Joy in TN. Ever tried riding side saddle, think its called English style, you know, lady like?

Sometimes we adjust our lifestyle so we can continue "the good ole' times" I'm giving up my little red tractor which you have to straddle like a horse and going to a golf cart to travel around the farm. Golf cart   Never been around golfing other than when a young girl with a boyfriend's encouragement hit a ball to please him and broke his next-door neighbor's picture window.     !

Lesmon, you have back problems? Arthritis? Just wondering...

[inga]

I have custom made AFOs, (ankle-foot orthotics) AND custom orthotics in my shoes and they are worn together.  I don't wear my AFOs all the time, only when the ankles are acting up, and they are lately.  Just a note, make sure your insurance covers the AFOs....they are extremely expensive and must be fitted by an orthotist.  Mine are carbon fiber to be light, and are a special kind for 'active' people.  Mine are to prevent foot drop and to help with that fatigue issue.  I have neuropathy, so my insurance paid.  I won't say they are comfortable.

[navydad]

I try to find the lightest shoes my kids stop wearing

[lesmom]

Thanks for the input. I know that I do have rough joints in my ankles, but minimal swelling. I haven't gone to a foot and ankle specialist for the issues I have now, just years ago when I tore the ligaments in my left ankle. Good idea though!

I'll do some checking on what my insurance will cover. I so want to get back in the saddle- all the way around. I feel like I have had to put my life on hold on shut it down to minimal activities and bite my lip to the pain. I miss riding and showing my boys that I too can ride. They think that they need to tell me how to do everything. When it comes to the horses. I was around horses before I was born. Having SJS along with all this other crap is just so not fair. At least I understand that life isn't fair and I have to fight back.

Hugs,
Leslie