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FiveFingers and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

by Brian Patterson » on Mar 14, 2012 23

Editors Note:  A few days ago we received an email from Jon Draffan that really stood out.  Jon has MS and had struggled to find the right shoes until he very recently tried out FiveFingers – he was ecstatic.  I asked if he would be interested in sharing his story and experience, he said ‘yes’, and here it is…

Enter Jon

In 1999 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and for about 10 years I was mobile without difficulty, but over the last three or so years my walking has turned into the unsteady limp of a drunk man. I fatigue quickly and lose sensation in the bottoms of my feet, especially when I feel hot. My leg muscles become stiff after not being used for even a short period of time and I have bad balance.

When in public, observers might give the disapproving glances that are reserved for the publicly inebriated. Once a passing child looked at me, then asked her father, “what is wrong with that man”. These are not experiences that are uncommon, and it is stressful, which immediately increases the intensity of all of my symptoms.

I have tried many ‘solutions’ to my MS challenges including prescription drugs, diet, exercise, marijuana, vitamins, massage, Chiropractic, Qigong, Rolfing, Yoga, and more… Physical practices are the most helpful, though the benefits are short lived as my body moves in ways that reverse their benefits.

Enter the Vibram Five Fingers (VFFs). I tried a pair of the Bikilas at an REI and instantly felt something I hadn’t felt in years… the ground. These shoes were like magic! My gait, balance, and posture all improved as I stood up in them. It was exhilarating as I walked with no fatigue for nearly two hours, deciding finally to purchase Komodos.

My new Komodosports

Trying to stay with the adjustment period didn’t last long for me. The “magic” did not go away and on the second day I ordered a pair of Bikilas also. I no longer experience my morning leg stiffness that was caused by spasticity. When I stand up to use the restroom at a coffee shop, I walk stiff legged for only a couple of steps, if at all, instead of across the entire room. When I go to the grocery store, there is no longer a question in my mind as to whether or not I will have trouble walking while I shop. And the best part? I’ve only owned them for a week.

Today is my eighth day of ownership and I look forward to experiencing further benefits, both physically and mentally, from wearing VFFs. I don’t plan on ever wearing another shoe if I don’t have to.

Do you have any thoughts for Jon?  If so, please leave them in the comments below!

Submitted Comments

  1. Kevin O'Neill says:

    Wonderful to read this – a small victory over a cruel disease.

  2. Dan says:

    Thanks so much for sharing! I wish you the best as you fight on!

  3. Jon Draffan says:

    Thank you for the supportive words gentlemen. If you know/know of anyone with MS, or any other physically challenging situation, please share this short story with them.

    -Jon

  4. Nichole says:

    Jon
    Is a dear friend of mine and I’ve been fortunate enough to be in his presence since he recently acquired is first pair of five fingers. As he explains above, they really have made a difference in his ability to balance. As his friend, I can attest that the shoes have increased his level of confidence on his feet which effects so much of his life.

    Thank you for publishing Jon’s email :)

  5. Mike says:

    Awesome story, thanks so much for sharing. I have a friend with MS and will be passing this along to him.

  6. Kim says:

    Omg!!!! I too have MS and initially purchased my VFF Sprints because they were “cute” and oh yeah I had heard pretty good things about them. I received them last wednesday and can hardly stay out of them! I love em! I’m already thinking about a 2nd purchase. Thanks for sharing your story. As we know it gets difficult sometimes but remember WE have MS it doesn’t have US! Take care and let’s keep VFF’in!!!

  7. Jon says:

    Hi Kim! Thanks for reading and commenting. I really want to know about your experiences when you get the sprints. Definitely research the Vibram ”transition recommendations” and think about posting here:
    http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ms20something/message/53314

  8. Leslie Sirag says:

    Jon, this is great.
    I’ve had positive experiences with Earth Shoes (own 2 pairs at present & waiting for sandal season, if it ever arrives here,to be back in them) & Z-coils (great,but a little heavy & can’t drive in them–springs catch foot pedals), but sounds as though these might be even more helpful for my atrhritic knees. Off to see what’s available with enough coverage for our cold & wet climate.

  9. Dan Green says:

    This is a fantastic story! I’m so happy that something as simple as VFFs have helped you. I have a friend with MS and I would have never thought that VFFs would have helped. Knowing this now I’ll defiantly get her to try a pair.
    Thank you for sharing and I hope you remain strong in your fight against this condition.

  10. Christin Fraser says:

    I love this post. Thank you for sharing. I have had my VFFs for about 2 weeks now and love them. My mother has MS and although she is unable to walk anymore, it makes me really happy to hear ways other people who are able to fight this terrible disease.

  11. Alvaro says:

    I am copying to my blog and translate it to spanish… i think it will be inspiration to some others… i wish Jon call tell us his fellings after more days..

  12. Jon says:

    Thank you everyone for your comments and support.

    `An update to my experience:
    It has been about 2 1/2 months and my physical condition has overall remained better than it was. After about a month, my forefoot does get sore with too much walking. What this says to me is that I really didn’t do that much walking and now Im doing a little more.
    When my feet hurt I switch out to another minimalist shoe made by LEMing. These are a little thicker and though I prefer my Vibrams, these are a tiny bit thicker and are a comfortable alternative, while retaining most of the benefits I get from the Vibrams. I should note that the owner of LEMing footwear is a definitely a supporter of Vibrams.

    Thank you especially to those of you who share my positive experiences with others who may benefit from an open dialogue about their disability.

  13. Michael P. says:

    I was diagnosed with MS in 1995 and only a few years ago, my balance and overall walking abilities had become increasingly difficult due to the lack of feeling from my thighs to my toes. And while i dont expect to run again, not being able to stand, balance or walk is just NOT an option in my book.

    After talking to a friend of mine that had a pair about the connection they feel with the ground (something I have not felt in years of clenching my toes in my shoes), I went and put on a pair. Before leaving the store, the increase in balance feeling and overall sense of comfort was amazing. They have truly changed my life. My only complaint is why can’t they make these with a leather upper and sell as dress shoes! I wear my vibrams in my car, at home, when I lead worship in front of thousands as a volunteer at my church, and have told everyone I know and can say that I have multiple friends that went and purchased them since. My komodo’s changed everything!

  14. Jon says:

    YES Michael! This is what I’m talking about! I hope to be volunteering with my local NMSS chapter and I will do my best to spad the word. The choir I’m in just returned from performing at Carnegie Hall on Sunday (I live in Sacramento, CA) , and I have spent a piece of the weekend walking around the city, a subway trip to Brooklyn, and muggy heatwave weather… all without much discomfort ø difficulty.
    For ease of use in airport security, I wore the Lemings that I mentioned above, even on the Carnegie stage! For leading worship and other vents I recommend adding a pair to your Vibram collection:
    http://www.lemmingfootwear.com

    -Jon

  15. Laura says:

    Thanks for sharing Jon! I’m glad to hear you’ve found something that helps you move more comfortably and confidently. I think I will share this with our Yoga for MS class also and see what they think! Best of luck to you!

    Your Yoga Teacher,
    Laura :)

  16. Tina says:

    My daughter introduced me to VFFs and I love them. I have two sisters and a nephew with MS and will definitely pass on your story. Thanks for sharing!

  17. Dreann van den Akker says:

    In the Netherlands we have amazing results with MS. We have patients Thrive Max Morinda to drink. Positive improvement of 80% within a month.
    I would try. With the 90 day money back guarantee, no risks.
    (I’m not a salesman, but a Morinda user.)

  18. Heidi Ellingson says:

    Hi, how is your progress now? Do you continue to use the shoes? My sister has MS and I have used the vibram shoes for a little over 9 months. I wanted to get her a pair. I wanted to know how your doing after a year of using them.

    If you could let me know. Thanks.

  19. Jon draffan says:

    Hi Heidi,

    After a year I’m still wearing Vibrams, in fact I’m writing this after walking a friends dog in them!
    I have augmented my collection with a couple of pairs of LEMS (lemsshoes.com). If most of my walking is to be on asphault/concrete/sidewalks then I wear the cushier LEMs, but if I’m to be on any natural terrain, the Vibrams are unbeatable, feeling like I have coated the bottoms of my feet with a protective coating.

  20. Mojgan says:

    Hi Jon,

    Thank you for sharing your experience with Vibrams. I have had MS for as long as I remember, but for the last few years my mobility has been affected badly. Finding a right shoe is a big challenge for me. Do you have spasticity in your toes? and if you have, do vibrams help you? my toes tend to bend. I am desperate to find the right and comfortable shoes.

  21. Charlie Stu Peeples says:

    Hello Jon and folks , I have mild cerebral palsy can relate to jobs story been deeply thinking about vibram five fingers for awhile there whole concept is about flexibility, strength , sensory processing I just recently. Got a pair I am excited and feel more free and anticipate that in little less than a year a gain in better mobility

  22. Ben Helps says:

    Hi Jon,
    I was recently diagnosed with MS as my muscle stiffness was getting impossible to ignore. A friend (old boss at a health/fitness place) suggested I try five fingers to aid balance and train against foot drop.

    I have to say, while nothing magically solves it, going back to shoes afterwards you really notice how much better the five fingers are. And they are so grippy if you don’t train against foot drop you just stick to the floor.

  23. DLY says:

    I was looking for this and was amazed I found it. I was researching these shoes before buying a pair. I was diagnosed with MS about a year and a half ago. I’m also flat footed, and picky when it comes to shoes. Thank you for helping me make a decision to try these.

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