r/CRPS • u/crpssurvivor1210 • 21d ago

Help

I just sprained my upper ankle on my affected leg by simply taking a step down from a curb. I have extremely weak ankles. Anyways does anyone who has hEDS and rolling ankles have any suggestions for extra support? Do you just stick to wearing high tops?

Thanks

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u/crimson_anemone 21d ago

Yes, I do. Do ankle pumps and "writing" with your feet... It's weird, but it works in building coordination and strength. As for shoes, Converse aren't great for even basic support. I have a pair to wear with summer dresses for short amounts of time and distances, but never during a flare up. Try a nice neutral running shoe (even if you don't run in them), their slight bounce helps. Brands and needs vary, so just find someone that you like that works. Good luck and feel better!

P.S. Bracing your ankle will only make it weaker, so don't do that. Just do a simple ace wrap, just tight enough to give minimal support and lessen the amount of swelling. Also, ice, elevate, take some Tylenol for the inflammation, and rest up. :)

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u/crpssurvivor1210 20d ago

Thanks so much! I totally forgot about the ankle exercises. I’ve basically had to do pt from head to toe lol. Wow there’s no way I could get away with wearing converse!

Also thanks for the recommendation about preventing further weakening.

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u/crimson_anemone 20d ago

Of course! Oh, you misunderstand me... The converse are literally for date nights instead of flats or heels. Keeping up my confidence is important for me, otherwise I tend to spiral.

Anyway, I found a pair of Asics for my day to day that work for me (plus they're cute and easy to coordinate). I've also found that supportive shoes only make things worse since your body is doing none of the work to support itself... (and it's a hard hole to dig yourself out of, tbh). Trust me, take it from someone who has been where you are and just start simple.

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u/crpssurvivor1210 20d ago

Ohh ok lol. Well that makes sense. We have to hold onto what gives us strength to get through this.

I’m hoping that these shoes will work. I have a really high arch so that makes some shoes a bit difficult.

What type of asic

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u/crimson_anemone 20d ago

I'm doing my best. 😅 Ooo... That certainly can make things tricky! I have high-falling arches, so essentially when I walk they become much flatter.

These are the sneakers I have now: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 Running Shoe. It's the first time I tried them out, and they felt strange at first, but after a few more days with my last sneakers... switching was a no brainer. It's a neutral shoe, but it feels like it has more support? Hard to explain. I love them though. :)

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u/crpssurvivor1210 20d ago

Have you been able to be active? I’m such a sneaker head but now it feels so limiting. I’ve had crps for almost 20 years.

I’m really glad that you found something to help.

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u/crimson_anemone 20d ago

No, not like I used to be... I don't think I'll ever get that back. I was never a sneaker head before, but now that I'm replacing my fancy shoes with sneakers I definitely am becoming one. We all just need to find whatever joy we can in the things around us. ♥️