The Importance of Correct Footwear

Early on, even before I knew something was wrong...before the profound weight gain...my feet would often ache at night; a side effect of teaching all day on linoleum floors. But now, I had to plan my shoes for work. No longer was the pain limited to my feet at night. I was beginning to feel pain radiate from my heels all the way up to my hips. I began carefully selecting shoes that would help absorb the shock of each step.

During one of my professional development days for a new school system, I hadn't walked far when my legs and feet began to ache. I made a mental note to myself...definitely need to buy some more shoes before school begins. These shoes had obviously had their day, losing all comfort and support. Through out the professional development meeting, I couldn't stop thinking about how badly I needed to buy some more shoes. After all, my feet were in pain. My new shoes would need provide comfort while walking around the classroom and standing on the hard floors. Multiple sclerosis has made shoes, the most imporant part of my career wardrobe.

Three hours after walking into the doors of the school where the professional development was occurring, I looked down at my feet while we were breaking between workshops. My shoes were on the wrong feet! They had been that way all morning! Before going to my next workshop, I swapped my shoes around. Walking to the next room, I felt like I was wearing new shoes. Funny how your stride is so much more pleasant when your shoes are on the correct feet!