Calling all Disers with Plantar Faciitis, heel spurs, etc

[billwendy]

Great topic. I just had a horrible PF flare-up a month before our WDW trip a few weeks ago. Worse than before because my heels and sides of my anckles were in so much pain. I went to the podiatrist and he told me(also the stretching, orthotics, etc.) to get running shoes with good support and above all, make sure it feels good to your foot. This is hard for me as I have wide feet and a higher instep?. My favorite shoe for the parks and at home is my Teva athletic sandals. If I could wear these everyday, I think my problems would be solved. But given the hippy casual look of this shoe, it doesn't fly with dress pants and skirts for my profession. Teva athletic sandals are so comfy because of the adjustable strapping and superthick, molded soles. Tennis shoes make my feet ache but these sandals are fab....ugly but comfy. The key is to buy the more expensive version with the fully lined interior and cut out the inside tag. Neoprene is a god-send to avoid blisters--as well as a little body glide. believe it or not, I have been wearing the same pair of Teva sandals for 4+ years and they still hold up because of the thick molded bottoms.

My feet still hurt some at WDW but more from fatigue. The worst foot pain was standing in one spot waiting for rides. I did buy a few shape-up sandals for eating out a restaurants and those are pretty good. Now I am back home and pf is still flaring up b/c of wearing heels and standing alot for my job. Argh!

Amanda - have you ever tried the taping technique to get you through a flare up? It was explained to me that it gives the foot a chance to rest and heal - I also do well taking an anti inflamitory to reduce the pain/flare as well as the icing and gentle stretches. I hope you get through it soon - I know how it can really impact your day/activities!!! Feel better!

 

[bakers3]

Hi....I have PF as well as heel spurs on both heels (the right foot is worse) and a stress fracture on the top of my foot. Lots of foot pain! My arches are really high so these suggestions may not work as well for my flatter footed friends.

I have been breaking in different shoes and have finally settled on a shoe rotation that I think will work well for me at WDW. I will probably switch shoes once a day to keep the pain at bay and will also be icing nightly. I may hit a point where I need a wheelchair to finish up a day but will play it by ear.

Anyway.....my shoes are:

#1 Brooks running shoes worn with my custom orthotics

#2 Chaco sandals - very high arch support, no orthotics needed (these are awesome shoes by the way!)

#3 Keens with Orthotics (water safe but have heel and toe so the orthotics stay put)

#4 Croc flip flops - mostly for around the resort....they cushion my heels nicely and used to be my go to shoe for WDW but now I need to have better arch support if I am going to make it more than an hour on my feet.


Keri

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Amanda - have you ever tried the taping technique to get you through a flare up? It was explained to me that it gives the foot a chance to rest and heal - I also do well taking an anti inflamitory to reduce the pain/flare as well as the icing and gentle stretches. I hope you get through it soon - I know how it can really impact your day/activities!!! Feel better!

Thanks for the well wishes. Yeah...the doctor showed me the taping technique but it didn't feel good on my feet. I take some Alleve but don't like to take it everyday as I also have stomach issues and don't want that flaring up either. I need to do better with my stretches for sure. I think I will try that rolling pin technique too. Also thinking of getting a tub to soak my feet in some icy water in the evening. It is kinda hard to ice them given the areas that hurt are also above my soles on the sides between my anckle and heel but I am thinking an icy bath for 5-10 minutes would be helpful.

It will get better this summer...as I am quitting my job in July. SSshhhhh...it's a secret Dh and I have decided it is just not worth it anymore. The money is OK but the time committment is just insane. It is hard on my feet, I have no dedicated family and friend time as it is ALWAYS jaded with phone calls and crazy hours. My feet hurt, my weight is up, tired of always discussing my job and always having to be "on", and many other factors that are out of my control. I am just not a happy camper. Can you guess my career?-LOL

 

[Tink6666]

I vote for sketchers shape ups! I had problems with my heals and these shoes are great! I was at WDW in April and walked all day and my feet were not sore when we were done for the day. My DH has knee issues and wore the shape ups and said his knees were not hurting as much also. They come in tennis shoes and in sandals. Get the shape up sandals not the tone ups, they are different. An option to help with pain relief that has helped me in the past is to freeze an orange and roll it with the bottom of your foot.

Good luck!!

 

[LeesyUD]

Has anyone gotten custom Orthotics? I went back to the podiatrist the other day and he said I really need the custom orthotics, the over the counter supports are not completely working for me so the best thing to do is to get the custom ones. My PF has gotten alot better since my cortisone shot, stretching and icing, but the center of my foot is still swelling and having alot of pain when I am on my feet for a while (bc of my flat feet and fallen arches). But they are $325 and not covered by insurance. Has anyone gotten these and did they help? I am trying to figure out if the money is worth it or if i should try one more over the counter type?

Any Advice?

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I just got custom orthotic inserts a month ago and wished I had gotten them sooner. I broke my foot a year ago and had surgery on it and it hurt everyday since then. I have the inserts in my sketcher sneakers, and they help so much. I wear them everyday. My foot still aches a little, but not anything like before.
We went to WDW in Dec. and I wished I had them then. Several people had told me they do not help, so I didn't bother getting them until I went back to the Dr. and he suggested again that I order them. My insurance paid for them, I know they were several hundred dollars, but I am not kidding you I would pay thousands for these, just to get rid of the pain.

 

[toodycat]

I would go with a good pair of Brooks Ariels plus custom orthotics. I have many problems with my feet. They are flat, my toes needed surgery a year ago, there's a partially torn tendon, my ankles turn easily...you name it.
The Brooks Ariels are the best sneakers I've ever had. I wear them whenever we tour WDW. I would recommend icing your feet or cooling them down in the pool after a long day, too. When we visited Jamaica, I had to ice my feet with a Red Stripe from the mini-bar every night.

 

[brighteyes]

Has anyone gotten custom Orthotics? I went back to the podiatrist the other day and he said I really need the custom orthotics, the over the counter supports are not completely working for me so the best thing to do is to get the custom ones. My PF has gotten alot better since my cortisone shot, stretching and icing, but the center of my foot is still swelling and having alot of pain when I am on my feet for a while (bc of my flat feet and fallen arches). But they are $325 and not covered by insurance. Has anyone gotten these and did they help? I am trying to figure out if the money is worth it or if i should try one more over the counter type?

Any Advice?

I had custom orthodics made for my feet. At first they hurt to wear them. Now that I am used to them, my feet are in quite a lot of pain if I do not wear them. I put mine in my running shoes.

 

[LeesyUD]

I would go with a good pair of Brooks Ariels plus custom orthotics. I have many problems with my feet. They are flat, my toes needed surgery a year ago, there's a partially torn tendon, my ankles turn easily...you name it.
The Brooks Ariels are the best sneakers I've ever had. I wear them whenever we tour WDW. I would recommend icing your feet or cooling them down in the pool after a long day, too. When we visited Jamaica, I had to ice my feet with a Red Stripe from the mini-bar every night.

I am planning to get a pair of those especially bcause they come in double wide. Unfortunately, I can't wear them to work but I will wear them alot on weekends and for excercising.

I just got custom orthotic inserts a month ago and wished I had gotten them sooner. I broke my foot a year ago and had surgery on it and it hurt everyday since then. I have the inserts in my sketcher sneakers, and they help so much. I wear them everyday. My foot still aches a little, but not anything like before.
We went to WDW in Dec. and I wished I had them then. Several people had told me they do not help, so I didn't bother getting them until I went back to the Dr. and he suggested again that I order them. My insurance paid for them, I know they were several hundred dollars, but I am not kidding you I would pay thousands for these, just to get rid of the pain.

I had custom orthodics made for my feet. At first they hurt to wear them. Now that I am used to them, my feet are in quite a lot of pain if I do not wear them. I put mine in my running shoes.

Thanks for the feedback. It's good to hear that they are helping both of you. It is alot of money for me, but I feel I may need to jsut suck it up and shell out the $325 for them soon. I am worried that if I don't do something, my feet will just keep getting worse even with all the icing, stretches and over the counter supports. I find the over the counters help in one spot on my foot but then cause problems in another spot. Hopefully, if I do get the customs they will help alot and not turn out to be a big waste of money for me.


Thanks for the advice!

 

[MineMail]

I have PF and heel spurs in both feet. Lucky me: when the PF first flared up, I also had a wicked case of athlete's foot, so I was a real mess. There wasn't one part of my right foot that didn't hurt. I walked like Quasimodo as I gimped into the doctors' offices.

The cortisone injections helped, but didn't solve the problem. They did, however, make me ridiculously hungry. All the time. They're expensive and there is a limit to how many/how often you can receive the shots.

I have custom orthotics and while they are really expensive, they do work. They seem so "wrong" because they're not soft and squishy, but they correct your gait and step, so the hardness of the orthotic isn't really an issue. As you said, insurance doesn't cover them and they're pricy.

If you get them, save the paperwork - mine came with a cheap replacement policy if they were lost within a certain amount of time.

The podiatrist and sports medicine doctors both recommended New Balance walking or cross-training shoes with the orthotics, so I watch for sales at Kohls and JC Penney. I move the orthotics from one pair to another, so they can air out in between wearings. I rarely wear anything else and I've always hated flip-flops, so that's a non-issue.

What really, really helped me was a stretch that some magazine printed in their "Good Health" section. (I thought it was Woman's Day, but the article online isn't the correct one.) I started doing it religiously after I exercised, while I was still warmed up from the workout. That's really key - cold stretching is dangerous.

Here's how it works:

Sit down and cross your legs so you can reach your foot.
POINT your toe so that your foot becomes an extension of your leg - all one line.
Really arch your foot as you press your toes up towards the top of your foot.
Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds at a time.
Do one or two sets of five on each foot.
After a while, you can either increase the length of the stretch or increase the number of repetitions.

In the beginning, I started doing it after my daily workout* but later added some after-dinner walking followed by this stretch. It took about three weeks before the pain subsided.

The stair stretch is also excellent, both the heels-down and the heels-raised.
Again, make sure you warm up, do the stretch slowly, and hold the position for 15-20 seconds each time.

* Good workouts for HS / PF sufferers include elliptical machines, pilates, skating, and water aerobics/jogging in water shoes. All are low-impact and don't irritate the heel area.


DH and I both need new orthotics and I wish I could avoid the $300+ cost. We tried over-the-counter SuperFeet inserts, but they're not the same thing as the orthotics. The new Dr. Scholl analyzer/recommender looks promising so I might give them a try, but I feel like it's a gamble - try the $50 Dr Scholls and see if they work. If I "crap out," it's off to the Sports Med doctor for $300 customs.

 

[LeesyUD]

So I order my brooks ariels from Amazon but I think I am going to have to return them. They are not too long or two wide but yet my heel slips out of them. Also I tried wearing them the other day and my feet were burning in them to the point wear I just could not even wear them. Usually sneakers I get have a small break in period but these were causing horrific pain. I think I might return them and try the New Balance 1123. Unfortunately I need double wide shoes so I can't really find them in the stores. I'll try wearing the shoes one more time today but if they still hurt I am definitely sending them back.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Unfortunately I need double wide shoes so I can't really find them in the stores. I'll try wearing the shoes one more time today but if they still hurt I am definitely sending them back.

Have you tried Men's shoes? (I am assuming you are a woman, and if not I apologize) I need shoes very, very wide and finally just went to Mens shoes. You can get a variety of widths, they are usually cut wider to begin with and you just have to figure out the size, but any shoe store can help you with that.

 

[DVC96]

LeesyUD - I too have plantar fascitis which is now under control thanks to PT. I bought a pair of the New Balance 1123 about 6 weeks ago and love them. They seem to run a bit big for New Balance. I use mine with a store-bought orthotic for running and they feel great. I have several pairs of custom made orthotics that I have never able to get used to, even after following the increased time schedule they give you. Good Luck!!

 

[LeesyUD]

Have you tried Men's shoes? (I am assuming you are a woman, and if not I apologize) I need shoes very, very wide and finally just went to Mens shoes. You can get a variety of widths, they are usually cut wider to begin with and you just have to figure out the size, but any shoe store can help you with that.

yes i am a woman haha.....actually my podiatrist recommend men's shoes as well...so that is an option for me. I actually found that there is a store right near me that sells alot of large widths and really helps with fitting so I think I'll start looking there too. Though I have found sneakers which brings me to reply to the following as well:

LeesyUD - I too have plantar fascitis which is now under control thanks to PT. I bought a pair of the New Balance 1123 about 6 weeks ago and love them. They seem to run a bit big for New Balance. I use mine with a store-bought orthotic for running and they feel great. I have several pairs of custom made orthotics that I have never able to get used to, even after following the increased time schedule they give you. Good Luck!!

Actually I just went out and tried those NB 1123's on tonight at the NB store and I ordered them from Amazon just a few moments ago (got them for $35 less than in store). They were soooo comfortable! I am returning the Brooks (wish I had researched the NB ones more before I got the Brooks but oh well). I actually couldn't decide which width to go with at first. Both the wide and extra wide fit really well but in the end I decided to go with the extra wide to leave more room for supports and extra comfort. Also my feet tend to get inflamed very easily on the sides so I wanted a bit of extra breathing room. They didn't feel too big though and the woman at the store who was very knowledgeable said they probably wouldn't stretch too much because of the mesh on them. I can't wait for my new sneakers to come!!!

You guys have been so helpful!!!

 

[Quin]

I developed PF pain for the first time ever in my left heel a few months ago, so this thread has been very informative. I purchased a few new pairs of shoes with better arch/heel support but found that those alone were not enough; I'm now wearing over-the-counter orthotics in them as well.

If you love flipflops but not the price of the FitFlops, look for TheraSandals made by TheraShoe. I wouldn't wear them to walk the park all day, but I will wear them around the house, to the pool, or to the waterparks. And they were $15 at K-Mart.

Another good activity to stretch the calf/foot: horseback riding, English style rather than Western. In English your heels are always DOWN. Feels great.

Am hoping I have enough 'coping mechanisms' to get through the upcoming vacation without killing my heels!

 

[MEM]

I've been dealing with PF since last August and sorry to say, nothing is helping. I've been seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon since March and she prescribed 8 weeks of PT. The PT didn't help although I am continuing the stretching exercises and ice. Have tried the OTC orthotics and spent a small fortune on brands and styles of shoes and sandals that folks with PF have found helpful. I wear a night splint on both feet. The doctor said I could try cortisone shots but I have heard about numerous side effects from the shots and I'm terrified. I really don't want the surgery either because the long-term outcome is unclear. We have a trip to WDW planned for August and if I have to rent a wheelchair or ECV, I will. Very, very frustrating.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I've been dealing with PF since last August and sorry to say, nothing is helping. I've been seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon since March and she prescribed 8 weeks of PT. The PT didn't help although I am continuing the stretching exercises and ice. Have tried the OTC orthotics and spent a small fortune on brands and styles of shoes and sandals that folks with PF have found helpful. I wear a night splint on both feet. The doctor said I could try cortisone shots but I have heard about numerous side effects from the shots and I'm terrified. I really don't want the surgery either because the long-term outcome is unclear. We have a trip to WDW planned for August and if I have to rent a wheelchair or ECV, I will. Very, very frustrating.

I would to with the cortisone shot a few days before your trip. Actually that is what I went with! I had 3 sets and all were just before a Disney trip. The shots are painful and some people experience horrible pain the next day but then it starts to get better. My first set of shots were good for about a year and even then I think the reason I got worse again is because I became complacent about doing my stretches and making sure to never go barefoot.

Just know that you can only have a limited number of them-- for me it was 3, not sure what other drs do. After that I couldn't have anymore. That is when you risk them doing more damage than good.

I definitely recommend holding off on surgery until you have at least had the shots and even then make sure there are no other options at all.

Absolutely get an ECV if you think you need it.

 

[MEM]

I would to with the cortisone shot a few days before your trip. Actually that is what I went with! I had 3 sets and all were just before a Disney trip. The shots are painful and some people experience horrible pain the next day but then it starts to get better. My first set of shots were good for about a year and even then I think the reason I got worse again is because I became complacent about doing my stretches and making sure to never go barefoot.

Just know that you can only have a limited number of them-- for me it was 3, not sure what other drs do. After that I couldn't have anymore. That is when you risk them doing more damage than good.

I definitely recommend holding off on surgery until you have at least had the shots and even then make sure there are no other options at all.

Absolutely get an ECV if you think you need it.

My concerns about the cortisone shot are the systemic side effects some people have reported - tachycardia, anxiety, all-over aches, exhaustion, etc. My mother would tell me "not to borrow trouble" but my body is so sensitive to so many medications that I'm very leery of the shot.

 

[ShhhQ]

I've been dealing with PF since last August and sorry to say, nothing is helping. I've been seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon since March and she prescribed 8 weeks of PT. The PT didn't help although I am continuing the stretching exercises and ice. Have tried the OTC orthotics and spent a small fortune on brands and styles of shoes and sandals that folks with PF have found helpful. I wear a night splint on both feet. The doctor said I could try cortisone shots but I have heard about numerous side effects from the shots and I'm terrified. I really don't want the surgery either because the long-term outcome is unclear. We have a trip to WDW planned for August and if I have to rent a wheelchair or ECV, I will. Very, very frustrating.

I am right there with you... I went in pain for over 10 years, before I sought help. I have done everything you mentioned and nothing seems to help mine either. I even did the shots.... twice. Helped for about a week!! Now I have PF in both feet as well as heel spurs. It has been almost 4 years since I first got help. After 6 months of treatment and nothing working, the Dr gave me an ultimatum... get the heel spurs removed or continue to live in pain. The heel spur in my left foot was approx. the size of my thumb and was irritating the PF.. so I opted to have the surgery (not surgery for the PF, that is something totally different). A bit over 3 years later, my PF still gets inflamed quite often, I still have a spur in my right foot... and the insision where the spur was removed on the left foot is still SORE... I got nerve damage there now!

What I do... I take tylenol daily, I buy the best fitting shoe I can and replace it when it starts breaking down... every couple months, grin and bear it... and most importantly.. I RENT A ECV AT DISNEY!!!

 

[LeesyUD]

I got the cortisone shot which really helped my heel...but now I am having issues wear both of my feet are swelling around my arches everyday just about. It feels like I have golf balls in my feet. DH and I decided we are going to spend the money to get me custom orthotics...I feel I need to at least give them a try.