"Arthur" got in my big toe.

I feel like I could be the "spokes woman" for a shoe called,

Skechers, shape-ups.

Not for the reason they are marketed for...

to shape your calves and help you lose weight

but, for a

"ME-SPECIFIC" reason!

These shoes are my ticket to walking without pain !

My big toe on the left foot has arthritis in the 1st joint along with a big spur which keeps my toe from bending up, when I walk (specifically when I push off like when your walking up an incline)

~

I saw these shoes about a year ago and thought to myself, "these might just work".

The shoe is constructed so that it rocks you forward as you step which was exactly what I needed since my toe wont bend up when I walk.

The shoe basically rocks my foot forward & upward so my toe doesnt have to bend (because it can't bend).

~

The result.... no more extreme pain in my big-toe joint when I try and go on a "power walk".

I will still probably need surgery at some point (so I'm told)

The Dr. said just let him know when I cant take the pain anymore. I just laugh at that statement, remember, I'm the girl who completely snapped my hamstring off the bone and didnt go to the doctor for 3 months....then had surgery to repair it. So I really shouldnt be given the option of, waiting until "I cant take the pain anymore".... hummmm, wonder when that'll be???

So for now.... I will wear "shape-ups" to "firm my calves & help me Lose weight" :)

but more importantly....

to help reduce the pain of an arthritic spur-ridden toe

I really think I should be the spokeswoman for the

American Arthritis Association & Shape-ups

~~~

I bet they dont even know their shoe was developed for that purpose too :)