How Foot Solutions Helped Catherine Enjoy Life
Artist Catherine C from Cambridge has suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was a child. The condition affected multiple joints including her knees and feet, causing her to be wheelchair bound. She eventually managed to get back to walking but her severe arthritic foot deformities have caused her lifelong problems with finding shoes that will fit and which do not cause her pain.
Over the years Catherine has struggled to find wearable shoes on the high street as well failing to find comfort with expensive custom-made shoes or with purpose made shoes from her hospital Orthopaedic Department.
Matters came to a head during lockdown, when, following an arthritic flare up, Catherine was walking painfully with the help of a walking stick and was finding that her feet were constantly slipping out of her custom-made shoes when walking. The only footwear she could use were flip flops and a pair of felt shoes. By this stage, her knee had fused and walking was limited to a very painful hobble. This setback further restricted her mobility and her lifestyle. As Catherine explains:
“Even a simple task like going shopping was both incredibly painful and thoroughly exhausting. I had to psyche myself up to go out, then grit my teeth and drag myself around the shop. By the time I got home I was drained of energy for the rest of the day. Doctors also told me that knee replacement surgery and a problematic rehabilitation were inevitable.”
Then in 2024, whilst visiting her son in Ealing, Catherine was searching the internet for appropriate footwear that might help her, when she came across Foot Solutions, Richmond.
She immediately called the store and arranged to visit the same day. The visit changed her life.
Catherine continues:
“The Foot Solutions experience was incredible. Store manager Edgar and his team took careful notes in order to understand my background story and my goals. I then undertook a comprehensive foot assessment involving hi tech scans, 3D impressions and detailed measurements of all aspects of my feet. The process also included a gait analysis to enable the team to understand my walking style and how to improve it.”
Based on the findings of the foot assessment and gait analysis, Foot Solutions recommended custom arch supports designed to suit the unique contours of each of her feet and a pair of Finn Comfort shoes.
Whilst the arch supports were being manufactured, Catherine was encouraged to try out the shoes and, as Catherine advises, the improvement was immediate and significant:
“For the first time in over 50 years I had comfortable shoes that allowed me to walk with a new confidence.”
When the custom arch supports were ready, Catherine returned to the store to have them expertly fitted to her Finn Comfort shoes. The continued improvement in pain reduction and increased comfort astonished Catherine, who continues the story:
“I was already really pleased with the shoes when used with some orthotics that I already owned. However, the combination of the Foot Solutions custom arch supports worn with the Finn Comfort footwear took things to a whole new level. Not only did I experience a massive reduction in my foot pain, my balance, posture and strength also improved to the extent that for the first time in years I could walk without always using a stick. With the help of my new shoes I was also able to avoid knee replacement surgery. The experience had a huge positive impact on my quality of life.”
Catherine has since invested in a wide range of footwear from Foot Solutions including Brooks trainers, Xsensible Stretchwalkers, and Finn Comfort shoes and sandals. For the first time in her life, Catherine is no longer limited to wearing ‘clumpy’ functional shoes and can now choose from a wide selection of on-trend styles.
“Shoe shopping is no longer a chore, it’s a joy” says Catherine “I can now buy footwear for different seasons in lots of different colours and styles. Previously, I had to buy clothes to wear with my shoes, but now I can wear what I like and buy shoes to match.”
Catherine regularly travels to the Richmond store for follow up appointments to ensure that she gets maximum benefit from her Foot Solutions products. As she explains:
“The after-care service at Foot Solutions is superb. They regularly check my gait and when necessary, adjust my arch supports and supply additional ‘wedge’ supports to provide enhanced stability and balance. I am very happy to recommend Foot Solutions, Richmond.”
How Has Foot Solutions Helped Improve Catherine’s Life?
Foot Solutions has helped improve Catherine’s life in 5 important ways, pain reduction, greater mobility, increased strength and energy, self-confidence and enjoyment of life.
Pain Reduction
The combination of custom arch supports worn with comfortable, properly fitted footwear has resulted in significantly reduced foot pain levels to the extent that Catherine has been able rehabilitate herself enough to avoid major knee surgery.
Greater Mobility
Walking is no longer quite such an excruciating, exhausting experience for Catherine and because she can move more freely and comfortably without always needing the aid of a stick, her horizons have broadened and Catherine can go shopping, visit friends and family and travel more easily and with less discomfort.
Increased Strength and Energy
As well as reducing pain and discomfort Foot Solutions footwear and orthotics have also improved Catherine’s posture and balance. As a result, Catherine now feels physically stronger and more energised. Her daily productivity has improved dramatically and she no longer feels completely exhausted at the end of the day.
Self-Confidence
The overall benefit of the above improvements is that Catherine can face the regular physical challenges of life with more confidence and embrace new experiences with far less trepidation.
Enjoyment of Life
For over 50 years Catherine’s fashion choices have been restricted to what works with ‘sensible’ uninspiring footwear. But now, with a wide selection of stylish comfortable footwear to choose from, Catherine can wear what she likes, whatever the season and whatever the occasion. The positive impact this has had on Catherine’s life cannot be understated.