Plantar Fasciitis About This Page:

[Aspen]

Hi!
I will be traveling to Disney this winter while dealing with plantar fasciitis. I am wondering what others do to cope with the pain and discomfort. I plan to make an appt with my podiatrist to get a cortisone shot the day before we leave and I am also going to have him wrap my foot. I'm just really concerned with keeping up with the rest of my family. They are very understanding to my issue and we've dealt with it now for almost 2 years. I've taken day trips to the fair, zoo and amusement parks. I had my husband wrap my foot and I took nsaids to help with the pain and it wasn't too bad. A lot of times though, it's the day after that kills me. Well, with 7 day tix and constant walking and touring, I'm not sure how I'm going to do. I'm anxious about the trip and all the walking.
Any tips, help, advice, thoughts, etc are welcome. I don't want this to "ruin" the trip. It's been 8 years since we have been to Disney! We aren't commando style tourists, but we do stay in the parks for the whole day. Our kids are 16 and 11 and I am fine with them touring a bit on their own in the same park while I rest my foot on a bench. Is there something I can do to prepare - besides the obvious of taking walks to build my stamina and stretching the heck out of my feet?
Thanks!

[Pax]

Consider getting a wheelchair or ECV.

If you don't already have one, get a cane. DGF did when she had a problem with plantar fascitis (it's since faded; don't know if a temporary injury healed itself,or she just hasn't stressed it enough for a flare-up of symptoms).

Make sure you have fairly new, just-old-enough-to-be-broken-in shoes, that provide good arch support. Maybe add some of those gel liners, to help cushion your feet.

[Artzkathy]

I have the same problem with my right foot. If you can fit it in your budget, an ECV is a wonderful thing on the really painful days. They are a bit pricey, but if it helps to keep my foot from ruining our trip, it is priceless to me! All of your other ideas of good arch support shoes, a steady dose of nsaids, wrapping, and some pre-trip walking/ "training" all sound excellent to me! Good luck!

[HiddenMickey]

Things that help me...
Stretching the foot before bedtime, before you get out of bed, and anytime you are seated for more than 10 minutes before moving again.
Ice packs
Rub the ball of you heel with a tennis ball

[CinderAbby]

I have the same thing and while it took awhile, my doctor recommended several stretches for my foot that I did 2 or 3 times a day and he had me get some of those Spenco Orthotics from the store (not regular inserts - this is actually a plastic arch support - 3/4 length - with a cushion on it. Not once did I need a cortisone shot but I did live on Nsaids for a few months (which have since messed up my stomach) while I was doing the stretches and to this day I still use the inserts and I haven't had huge problems in years. Once in a while it will hurt some but I'll just rub it and do the stretches and it will go away. BTW - I've done 5 trips to Disney and I was okay walking all day every day. So after having said all of that, my advice is to make the appointment much sooner rather than later because my only concern is if the cortisone shot doesn't help you'll want to know that BEFORE you go on vacation and if you can start the exercises - and continue them on vacation - you'll probably be much better for it. Good luck

[Jakesmom1118]

I had a number of foot issues (falling arches, plantar fascitis, and pain shooting into my leg whenever I walked) months before my last trip. I suggest finding very supportive walking shoes. Not tennis shoes, not running shoes, not cross trainers. I found a pair of reeboks that helped, they no longer help so I don't have them anymore but they were all white or you could get them in all black. I now have reebok tonerz and LOVE them. Great support and great cushion. Go shoe shopping in the morning, in the afternoon, and again at night before you decide which are the most comfortable.

Rest when you can. Work your way up to walking for an hour or longer at a time. Stand as much as you can too. Correct your posture, you'd be amazed at how differently your weight is distributed if you slouch, i know i was.

Not sure if any of this will help you but it (hopefully) won't hurt to try. you get better

[Pax]

Another thought: check out some good HIKING shoes/boots. Those're designed to support your foot, and be comfortable, for hours and hours of walking.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hi Aspen! I see some good advice here, but the best advice would be from your podiatrist, who knows the specifics about your condition.

I would add, though, that pacing yourself, knowing your limits, and rest is important for any foot injury. (And, if worse comes to worse, I have known a few people who preferred wheels to a cane or crutches for minor foot situations at Disney.)

Don't forget to tell us how it went, and I hope you have a magical trip.

[Aspen]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I'm going to check on some different shoes and get some soon to break in. I have some inserts that my podiatrist recommended - my insurance won't pay for prescription ones unless I am diabetic. They work pretty well and offer some great support. I do need to stretch more though. I think I've just become so frustrated by the whole thing that I feel ready to give up. I'll work on the stretching, new shoes to break in and walk as much as I can. I'm going to try icing it more too. Standing for long periods of time is painful too, yes.
I can say that I have already been to the podiatrist, so he knows my issues, yep! I've gone through physical therapy. The doc has ruled out surgery because it is the outside tendon in my foot that needs stretched out and not the inside one (which is the one he would surgically cut if needed). I've had 2 shots in my foot before and even though it is very unpleasant, I'm thinking it'd be worth it for some relief on my trip.
I'm thinking if it gets too bad I'll just rent a wheelchair at the parks!! My kids or husband can wheel me around.
Right now I am trying aspirin for the inflammation and it is helping. Not sure I like the way it makes me feel - side effects - but my foot is happy.
Thanks again! It is nice to know there are others out there that understand my issue.

[Jakesmom1118]

dont give up! i know what you are going through. its tough but it will get better...but only if you dont give up!

[Aspen]

Originally Posted by Jakesmom1118

dont give up! i know what you are going through. its tough but it will get better...but only if you dont give up!

Thanks!!!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Disney is so dedicated to accommodating those "owies". I'm sure you'll have a magical trip.

[Carousel96]

Having been to Disneyland with undiagnosed PF, I can say that I feel your pain!

Originally Posted by Aspen

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I'm going to check on some different shoes and get some soon to break in. I have some inserts that my podiatrist recommended - my insurance won't pay for prescription ones unless I am diabetic. They work pretty well and offer some great support.

Since you've had the PF for a while, you probably know this, but... the inserts really change the way shoes fit. My biggest gripe is that it's hard to find shoes that are roomy enough for my foot and the half inch insert in the bottom. Of course, having high insteps to start with doesn't make it easier.

[Dream Disney Vacations]

Originally Posted by Jakesmom1118

I had a number of foot issues (falling arches, plantar fascitis, and pain shooting into my leg whenever I walked) months before my last trip. I suggest finding very supportive walking shoes. Not tennis shoes, not running shoes, not cross trainers.r

I second this. My sister has PF and has had great success with Crocs sandals. There's a specific footbed she likes - no wedge heel, no height, just a well-fitting cushion. She's been doing her stretching, has inserts, etc. but her sandals have been lifesaving.

I also have foot issues (haven't gotten confirmation that it's PF, but the symptoms are there) and LOVE my Crocs sandals. My sister and I have the now discontinued Adara sandal, but there are others with the same footbed. They're reasonably priced and not horribly unattractive.

Good luck and enjoy yourself!

[Wendyismyname]

I went to WDW last year 2 days after getting the stitches out from my latest PF surgery!! I used the ECV during that trip. But, I take my cane, I wear my Crocs faithfully. Sometimes I wear my Asics, but I have to change mid-day. My podiatrist said Crocs were awesome for PF because they conform to your feet. So any of the shoes that do that will work well.

I second(or third) taking the tennis ball. I have one in my Owner's locker. Ice helps too, or cold wet wash rags if you don't have an ice packet handy.