Anyone have Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot-pain)??? Help please?

[CathrynRose]

YES! It's park related because I CANNOT find a pair of shoes that doesnt leave me hobbling before trips end, if not just a few days into it. IM DESPERATE!!

Does anyone have something they use, or a specific shoe brand they reccomend??

Id be forever your slave, if you had any advise for my at all.

I tried posting on the CB - but it appears Im the only one with the freaky foot condition over there....

Anyone here feeling my pain? (literally!!)

[Wendybird55]

I'm not familiar with your condition, but I do know the discomforts of a bad pair of shoes and the need for a comfortable pair. I hade wide feet and find it very hard to find comfortable walking shoes. One of my favorite brands is Merrell. I usually wear their jungle mocs (which are not right for Disney). When I took my trip to Europe one year I had a pair of Merrell sneakers and they were GREAT! The soel was supportive yet comfortable. I went all over in them on my feet for hours and hours and no problems.

Not sure if Merrells will help your situation, but it's definately worth checking them out.

[CathrynRose]

I'm not familiar with your condition, but I do know the discomforts of a bad pair of shoes and the need for a comfortable pair. I hade wide feet and find it very hard to find comfortable walking shoes. One of my favorite brands is Merrell. I usually wear their jungle mocs (which are not right for Disney). When I took my trip to Europe one year I had a pair of Merrell sneakers and they were GREAT! The soel was supportive yet comfortable. I went all over in them on my feet for hours and hours and no problems.

Not sure if Merrells will help your situation, but it's definately worth checking them out.

TY - I will check them out. A contributing factor to this weirdo condition *IS* wide feet. So, hello to my clown footed sister. ;)

[CathrynRose]

Its gotten so bad on trips - that during my research I came across "DrewShoe.com" - and have actuall been considering these:

http://www.drewshoe.com//default.aspx?page=sc_detail&pid=64

Yes THOSE! Those granny looking things. THOSE! Thats my in my signature pics...but I dont care!!! Im tried of my feet THROBBBBBING!! :sad1:

[cabanafrau]

Sorry I don't have a specific shoe recommendation for you, but have you tried switching shoes daily on your trips, or switching during the day? Maybe that might help keep the pain at bay. :confused3

Sure hope you find an answer, because hobbling is no way to enjoy your trip!

[LowesChevy]

I have plantar facia and wide flat feet, so I also have to find a great fitting pair of shoes. If my legs are not stetched well before bed my toes curl causing the tendons in my foot to tighten up, so when I wake up in the morning I can barely walk across the room. It is painful for about an hour until they stretch out. You are not the only one with freaky feet ;)

I stretch really good before bed and before I hop out of bed, by straightening my legs and stretching my achillies tendon and foot itself. We take a break midday so I can stretch and swim to get off my feet during the day too.

I really love Brooks sneakers, they make shoes for flat footed people to those with high arches. I would suggest googling the Brooks website and follow their shoe fit program to give you an idea of what type of support you need.

If you have a specialty shoe store in your area, you may want to stop by and have them fit you as well. They can point you in the right direction for shoes that complement your condition. Foot Locker & Dicks SG are not so helpful when it comes to properly fitting shoes.

I have also had luck with Asics, Saucony & New Balance. Many of the Nike or Reeboks run narrow and have higher arch support.

Good luck! :)

[Silvite]

I had surgery on my left ankle, a tendon and ligament reconstruction, which unfortunately left me with nerve damage. I have custom orthotics for my feet, which help some but my feet still kill at the end of the day. I just soak them in a nice bath.

[Gee Wally]

Sorry I don't have a specific shoe recommendation for you, but have you tried switching shoes daily on your trips, or switching during the day? Maybe that might help keep the pain at bay. :confused3

Sure hope you find an answer, because hobbling is no way to enjoy your trip!

That actually works for me.

I rotate between my New Balance walking shoes/sneakers and my The NorthFace sandals.

http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear-shop-subcategory.jsp?category=41&site=NA&subcategory=414&language=en

As long as I do that, no issues. If I don't, within 3 days my soles and heels will kill me.

[taxmom04]

Do you have a "Good Feet" store near you???
Check them out at www.goodfeet.com

They have done wonders for my Mom's feet. It's all about proper orthotics.
My mom has had surgery and seen several podiatrists(sp?) and none have worked and helped like the people at Good Feet. She has a different problem thanyours but they work with all kinds of feet problems.
She doesn't have to wear such ugly shoes anymore. They told her with the right othotics you can wear any shoe.

My daughter has trouble like you and I'm fixing to take her to our store.

Many of the knee and back trouble people have is from feet problems.

[goofy4tink]

I also have issues with my feet. But, I've come to the conclusion that it is NOT better to look good than to feel good. Now, my shoes make my tootsies feel good, although they don't look so cute.
I'm not familier with your particular issue so can't offer any help..just the above sentiment!

[CathrynRose]

Do you have a "Good Feet" store near you???
Check them out at www.goodfeet.com

.

Its a drive - but I might check this out. Thank you!

[Dan Murphy]

Hey CR. :wave:

I have used these folks past number of years...

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/

and use the 'dog' fetch' link...

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/product/shoe-dog.jsp?bannerimage=shoedog_left_pla

My test has always given me the choice of several. I have had 2 or 3 New Balance shoes, all have been excellent. Good wishes.

[CanadianGuy]

You might also try asking this over on the disABILITIES board and also the Disney Tips board.. you may get better answers on those two forums.

I would also suggest that a good orthopedist (?) could point you in the right direction ... maybe.

:)

Knox

[CathrynRose]

You might also try asking this over on the disABILITIES board and also the Disney Tips board.. you may get better answers on those two forums.

I would also suggest that a good orthopedist (?) could point you in the right direction ... maybe.

:)

Knox

Ooo - smart thinking about the DISabilities board. Didnt think about that....

And I know, I should just go see a DR - but a recent study came out about more people self medicating....consider me one of those people. :laughing: ;)

[CathrynRose]

I was advised to come on over here, cuz you guys are apparently the wisest on the DIS. Thats what the word on the streets is. ;)

(Did the buttering up, work?)

Im copying this from where I previously posted.... I am really really DESPERATE!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OKAY - I CANNOT find a pair of shoes that doesnt leave me hobbling before trips end, if not just a few days into it. Its terrible!!! :sad1:

Does anyone have something they use, or a specific shoe brand they reccomend??

Id be forever your slave, if you had any advise for my at all.

I tried posting on the CB - but it appears Im the only one with the freaky foot condition over there....

Anyone here feeling my pain? (literally!!)

[KPeveler]

you could also use a scooter on the big-walking days, like at AK and EPCOT, and then walk sometimes too, to give your feet a break :)

[CanadianGuy]

In conversation with the OP, I've actually arranged to merge the original thread from the ThemeParks board with this one.. keep all the great info in one place!

Thanks!

Knox

[CathrynRose]

you could also use a scooter on the big-walking days, like at AK and EPCOT, and then walk sometimes too, to give your feet a break :)

I feel BAD about doing that. Especially with how wicked ECV threads get on here!!! :eek:

And and and - my mom had a shattered ankle, and had to use an ECV for a few trips, and its HARDER to get around in those - crowd wise, then just being able to walk. People step right in front of you.

AND heck - Im 34.... I should be able to walk for crien out loud. :sad2: Me and my freak feet.

KNOX - Can we change my screen name?? I would like it to be 'FREAKFEET' :upsidedow

[PrincessSuzanne]

Join the club. I have plantar fasciitis and I have flair ups this time of year, because I love to wear flip flops, so I just deal with the pain sometimes. I wear Nike's most of the time and find that they help, also Birkenstocks help alot as well. I take lots of Motrin and Aleve.

I am 34 also, so I know about not wanting to use an ECV, but if I don't, I won't be able to walk for several days after I get home. I have also had knee surgery and re-injury that won't allow me to walk the parks like I would like to. I walked during most of our first trip and my Nike's were great, then I re-injured my knee prior to our second trip and had to use crutches for 6 months and I knew that from then on I would have to ECV it if I wanted to see Disney.

My mom's foot doctor recommends SAS and New Balance.

Good Luck

Suzanne

[KPeveler]

I feel BAD about doing that. Especially with how wicked ECV threads get on here!!! :eek:

And and and - my mom had a shattered ankle, and had to use an ECV for a few trips, and its HARDER to get around in those - crowd wise, then just being able to walk. People step right in front of you.

AND heck - Im 34.... I should be able to walk for crien out loud. :sad2: Me and my freak feet.

KNOX - Can we change my screen name?? I would like it to be 'FREAKFEET' :upsidedow

sweetie - if the scooter makes it less painful, then use the scooter. are you going with others who can help push a wheelchair sometimes?

I am only 23 and i have to use a wheelchair in disney, and in more and more of my daily life... i should be able to walk too, but sometimes life is a pain in the butt, so you just do what you can. i can understand your reluctance, but this is your big vacation. you do what you need to in Disney World to have the most magical experience.

dont let snotty people on the boards who decide they dont like ECVs keep you from doing what you need. unless they have used one or have travelled with someone who uses one, they just dont get it.

its the happiest freakin place on earth, and pooh! on anyone who gets in your way!

[Cheshire Figment]

Two comments here.

One is that I wear New Balance in a men's 13EEEE and they have widths on many of their shoes up to EEEEEE.

Second is please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

[akhenaten]

My Dh hd terrible pain on the bottom of his foot last week....
he soaked it in Hot water with epsom salts and it was much better the next morning....

[CathrynRose]

Join the club. I have plantar fasciitis and I have flair ups this time of year, because I love to wear flip flops, so I just deal with the pain sometimes. I wear Nike's most of the time and find that they help, also Birkenstocks help alot as well. I take lots of Motrin and Aleve.

I am 34 also, so I know about not wanting to use an ECV, but if I don't, I won't be able to walk for several days after I get home. I have also had knee surgery and re-injury that won't allow me to walk the parks like I would like to. I walked during most of our first trip and my Nike's were great, then I re-injured my knee prior to our second trip and had to use crutches for 6 months and I knew that from then on I would have to ECV it if I wanted to see Disney.

My mom's foot doctor recommends SAS and New Balance.

Good Luck

Suzanne

sweetie - if the scooter makes it less painful, then use the scooter. are you going with others who can help push a wheelchair sometimes?

I am only 23 and i have to use a wheelchair in disney, and in more and more of my daily life... i should be able to walk too, but sometimes life is a pain in the butt, so you just do what you can. i can understand your reluctance, but this is your big vacation. you do what you need to in Disney World to have the most magical experience.

dont let snotty people on the boards who decide they dont like ECVs keep you from doing what you need. unless they have used one or have travelled with someone who uses one, they just dont get it.

its the happiest freakin place on earth, and pooh! on anyone who gets in your way!

Two comments here.

One is that I wear New Balance in a men's 13EEEE and they have widths on many of their shoes up to EEEEEE.

Second is please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

You guys are the best!!! :goodvibes

[SueM in MN]

Many of the most vocal "ECV bashers" end up apologizing after having to use one once. It's interesting how their opinion changes after they have to experience using one themselves.

[CathrynRose]

Many of the most vocal "ECV bashers" end up apologizing after having to use one once. It's interesting how their opinion changes after they have to experience using one themselves.

One of the reasons those ECV bashing threads tick me off so much, is as I mentioned - when my mom had to use one for several trips, it wasnt 'easier'. The ONLY thing easier was being off her feet, but you have people stepping in front of you, people acting as if youre not there, going through crowds is next to impossible considering the ECV has 2 speeds: Go and Stop.

We'd spend so much time 'wasting' time until crowds cleared out because it was impossible to move through them.

I appreciate all these responses, I really do. And if need be, Ill do what I have to do.

THAT BEING SAID - I ordered these yesterday and keep your fingers crossed, maybe these will 'work' (along with this ball of foot cushion thing thats supposed to absorb shock and redistribute weight)

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30655806/c/137108.html

http://www.zappos.com/images/739/7390382/7769-574538-d.jpg

[Gretchen]

Hi,
I have foot issues too. I wear nike sneakers in the parks. I take them off and wiggle my feet around a little half way through. Yeah, that's me the weirdo rubbing her feet, sitting on the park bench. :rotfl: Put 'em back on, and when I get to the room, the crocs go on. :thumbsup2 My husband wears nikes-for dress/work he wears Rockports or Clarks. Also, try a squishy sock.
Good luck...:goodvibes
G

[SueM in MN]

One of the reasons those ECV bashing threads tick me off so much, is as I mentioned - when my mom had to use one for several trips, it wasnt 'easier'. The ONLY thing easier was being off her feet, but you have people stepping in front of you, people acting as if youre not there, going through crowds is next to impossible considering the ECV has 2 speeds: Go and Stop.

We'd spend so much time 'wasting' time until crowds cleared out because it was impossible to move through them.

I appreciate all these responses, I really do. And if need be, Ill do what I have to do.

THAT BEING SAID - I ordered these yesterday and keep your fingers crossed, maybe these will 'work' (along with this ball of foot cushion thing thats supposed to absorb shock and redistribute weight)

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30655806/c/137108.html

http://www.zappos.com/images/739/7390382/7769-574538-d.jpg
Those look like nice shoes.
I had ball of the foot pain when I was on our treadmill. I added some Dr. Scholls gle heel pads (http://www.drscholls.com/product.aspx?prodid=31) to my running shoes. They helped a lot and I have no heel pain on the treadmill anymore. I have not worn them in the parks, but they did the trick for my running shoes.

[PrincessKsMom]

My mom's doctor recommended New Balance for her foot problems. He said the higher the number, the better the support. (I never knew what those numbers are for?!) :confused3 Also, for anyone out there with planter facias (sp?) I found out mine was caused by wearing Skechers! It was almost to the point of getting shots in my feet when my doctor noticed I was wearing Skechers and had been for years. She said they are probably the worst sneakers to wear. Some might disagree, but within 1 month of switching to Nike, my foot problems were gone. :banana:

[SueM in MN]

I found out mine was caused by wearing Skechers! It was almost to the point of getting shots in my feet when my doctor noticed I was wearing Skechers and had been for years. She said they are probably the worst sneakers to wear. Some might disagree, but within 1 month of switching to Nike, my foot problems were gone. :banana:
My DD has problems with Sketchers even sitting in her wheelchair. The way the soles are constructed, the are very narrow in one spot; that would make DD's foot turn over that way. My other DD (who is not disabled) bought a pair of Sketchers because they were so cute, but she found that her foot turned when she wore them too.

[1stluvispooh]

Ok I had ball of the foot pain. Like there is a stone in your shoe but it's inside your foot. (or that is how it started) It was Morton's Nuroma. I wound up having foot surgery on the right foot and when it started on the left my Podiatrist knew not to use the S word around me again because children were still young he tried a new therapy on it, alcohol injections. I would suggest you run OK hobble to a Podiatrist I am not saying that you will need surgery. I know that the first thing they do is give you orthtics to correct your walk. I already had them. That being said before surgery the only soes I could wear were my Birkenstock sandals. You might want to try them, they do have some metatarsal support. Good luck.