Supportive footwear are essential for managing my hemophilia

Proper care for the feet can significantly enhance our quality of life

Feet and ankle problems are common for people with bleeding disorders, including hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease. As someone living with these conditions, I’m no stranger to these challenges.

I recall a trip to Disney World when I decided to wear a pair of Birkenstocks for the first time. Midway through the first day, my feet were in extreme pain. When I removed the sandals, I discovered that the bottoms of my feet were covered in bruises. A wave of depression and despair set in as I wondered how I’d manage to walk around for the next five days on bruised feet.

A few years ago, I was in a car accident and broke my foot by pressing on the brake pedal too hard. Years before that, I experienced a spontaneous bleed in my foot — supposedly an unusual occurrence for someone like me, with mild bleeding disorders. An MRI confirmed the bleed, and I wore an orthopedic boot for almost a year. It took forever to heal.

Since then, I always keep an orthopedic boot in my closet, ready for when I need it. Additionally, I wear custom orthotics in my favorite shoes and have ice packs specifically designed for the foot.

My ankles suffer from arthritis and swelling, but surprisingly, they’re not very painful. I hope they remain pain-free, as undergoing any type of joint surgery is something I want to avoid at all costs.

Given these experiences, I’m incredibly selective when it comes to footwear. Around the house, I wear Bombas socks, which help reduce swelling. My go-to shoes are my neon pink Hokas. While the color might seem bold for someone in their 50s, I couldn’t care less.

I often notice people’s footwear and marvel at those who can pull off high heels. For me, high heels represent the potential for twisted ankles or worse. Comfort and safety are my priorities.

Proper footwear is essential. I’ve found that supportive footwear helps cushion my feet, reducing the impact and stress on my joints. That can help to prevent joint bleeding. Supportive shoes also provide better stability, reducing the risk of me twisting or injuring my ankles and feet.

By wearing supportive footwear, people with hemophilia can enhance joint protection, alleviate pain, and significantly improve their quality of life.

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes? Please share your footwear stories in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!