Footwear in Lymphoedema - Blog by Gaynor Leech, LWO Community

I cannot begin to describe the anguish our members face when buying footwear.  Those that have lymphoedema in their lower limbs, have swollen feet.  Imagine the difficulty of finding the right footwear when you wear compression. Feet need support, they need comfort, and our support group members want to feel good. This is a challenge that should not be underestimated.  Sadly, for those with lower limb lymphoedema fashionable shoes, shoes with heels, are often something they can only dream about. 

I wish manufactures would listen and realise that we are not all the same, each foot is likely to be a different size and as we know shoes are sold in pairs.  There is no consideration from manufacturers that feet could be so different.  Standard width shoes, wide or even extra wide shoes may not fit someone who has swollen feet or wears compression. It is possible to buy single odd size shoes, but these often come at a hefty premium. You may be able to get a referral on the NHS to be referred to Orthotics for specially made shoes, speak to your GP, Physio, Podiatrist or Lymphoedema Clinic for advice.

Boots

Our members find that boots are a particular problem with ankle and calf sizes not being big enough for swollen legs. Some of our members will wear the largest pair of wellies they can find; this does not make for easy walking. 

Regularly have your feet measured

When shopping for footwear most people will be drawn to the style or the colour but for someone living with a swollen feet/foot your biggest concerns will be 'Will it fit'? and 'Will it be comfortable'?  

When buying shoes for lower limb lymphoedema L-W-O Community suggests that you shop for shoes when your feet are swollen. The reasoning behind this is that you will not be trying to cram swollen feet into shoes that are not big enough.  If you wear compression on your lower limbs, please do so when buying shoes or alternatively wear the same type of sock or stocking that you would normally wear.

L-W-O Community always recommends that when you buy new shoes before an event, allow yourself time to break them in.  There is nothing worse than going out in a pair of shoes for a full day that you haven't had time to get used to.  How many times do we buy shoes for a special occasion and by the end of the day come home with aching legs, sore feet, and blisters?

Cautionary tale

Someone I know went to a wedding, wearing new shoes for the first time.  This person did not have lymphoedema but did develop blisters that turned to Cellulitis.  Weeks of antibiotics, hospital visits followed and quite a long recovery time.

All this can be done in the comfort of your own home, you are not likely to damage the shoes before that special occasion and you save yourself a lot of misery.  Ballet shoes and Flip Flops are not recommended for those living with lymphoedema.

L-W-O recommends you visit a Foot Health Practitioner, Chiropodist or Podiatrist on a regular basis.

VAT EXEMPTION

In the UK VAT on shoes is currently 20% but in certain circumstances you can get the VAT removed and several online footwear retailers have made this easier to do by adding ticking a box at checkout. On the high street ask if they will remove VAT.   

Cosy Feet have a very good explanation sheet on VAT relief. There is also a helpful fact sheet on the Cosy Feet website that shows the conditions covered by VAT exemption and an explanation on each condition.

Gaynor xx