Disney with Knee Problems

[areno79]

Hello all! I did some searching on this board, but figured I'd just post a new thread.

I had 2 different knee surgeries last year in order help with my severe osteoarthritis. The right knee was pretty successful, but the left knee surgery did not work at all. Basically the surgery was a stop gap until the dr feels I'm old enough for a knee replacement. I'm 37 and have been dealing with this since I was 15...old basketball injury that got out of control.

I try to stay active by doing low impact Zumba 3 times a week, but everyday I'm popping Aleve like candy and constantly icing my knee. (I do try to modify the moves as squatting and jumping are very painful.) I lost 60 pounds and kept it off over the last 2 years, but I still would like to lose more weight and stay active.

I am concerned about how I'm going to fare at Disney with my knee the way it is and all of the walking/standing. I don't want to rent an ECV because I can walk, so I'm looking for other suggestions or advice to make the trip a little less painful.
I was thinking maybe some kind of knee brace would help stabilize the knee and relieve some pressure. I also would like to figure out a way to be able to ice my knee throughout the day if necessary without having to bring a cooler to the parks. It's just DH and I on this trip so we will have a small backpack with us.

I'm open for suggestions!!

 

[gap2368]

I agree an ECV is probably not the best idea for you but maybe a wheel chair or a roller would help they are not a lot of benched around disney and finding some where to sit is hard to do sometimes ( and you do not need to have the wheel chair with you all the time you can park it in the area you are in and walk around some)

have a good plane for your day so you are not criss crossing the park

take a break to rest your knee some thing like a show can be good

as fair as ice all QC places will give you free ice water you can just ask for 2 cups of ice and I would have some baggies with you so you can put the ice in them

also first aid can be your best friend they have ice beds ( cots really) and some OTC

I would get a knee brace I have a friend that had knee problems too and a brace along with a few rest ( she will do a show) helps her a lot

I hope this helps

 

[powellrj]

Have you tried a steroid shot? I limited mine so I never had many. Do you have an uploader brace?

 

[nelsonab]

I also have bad knees due to osteoarthritis. My right needs a replacement, but like you I've been put on hold for the past 5 years until it gets so bad that I have no choice. I'm 40 now. I have a stabilizer brace for both knees. Both were given by my orthopedic, because both knees have different issues. I tend to ice when we go back for breaks and elevate. I take Aleve morning and night. I also get a steriod shot about a week before the trip. I'm allowed three per year. Hope that helps. Other than that, we go at my pace.

 

[SMD]

For ice, try first aid, or bring your own bag and get a cup of ice at QS. You can look into the knee wraps by Dr. Cool. They're supposed to be in the freezer for 20 minutes, but I wonder if you could put it in a bag of ice and get the same effect.

 

[maxiesmom]

How are you getting to the parks? Are you driving? If not keep some taxi money in your pocket, just in case the bus lines are crazy long.

 

[areno79]

I agree an ECV is probably not the best idea for you but maybe a wheel chair or a roller would help they are not a lot of benched around disney and finding some where to sit is hard to do sometimes ( and you do not need to have the wheel chair with you all the time you can park it in the area you are in and walk around some)

have a good plane for your day so you are not criss crossing the park

take a break to rest your knee some thing like a show can be good

as fair as ice all QC places will give you free ice water you can just ask for 2 cups of ice and I would have some baggies with you so you can put the ice in them

also first aid can be your best friend they have ice beds ( cots really) and some OTC

I would get a knee brace I have a friend that had knee problems too and a brace along with a few rest ( she will do a show) helps her a lot

I hope this helps

Thanks for the info! That's actually a great suggestion about the plastic baggies.

Have you tried a steroid shot? I limited mine so I never had many. Do you have an uploader brace?

I have had tons of steroid shots, unfortunately they do nothing because I have literally no cartilage in that knee. Last year before the doctor would do surgery, she made me do PT, then steroid shots, then Orthovisc shots, which are super expensive ($2000!) and are supposed to help act like a lubricant for the knee joint. Sadly none of those things worked so surgery was the only option. I do not have an unloader brace; when I asked my dr about it, she didn't think it would really help because my knee is so bad. The surgery had involved her drilling holes in the knee to encourage new cartilage to grow. The left knee was so sclerotic she couldn't get any of the drill bits to go all the way through

 

[areno79]

I also have bad knees due to osteoarthritis. My right needs a replacement, but like you I've been put on hold for the past 5 years until it gets so bad that I have no choice. I'm 40 now. I have a stabilizer brace for both knees. Both were given by my orthopedic, because both knees have different issues. I tend to ice when we go back for breaks and elevate. I take Aleve morning and night. I also get a steriod shot about a week before the trip. I'm allowed three per year. Hope that helps. Other than that, we go at my pace.

Ugh, it stinks, doesn't it?? I wish I could just have the replacement surgery and get 15 good years out of it. I think a visit to the doctor before the trip may be a good idea. Steroid shots have never worked for me in the past, but maybe they'll work since I had the surgery and she cleared out the cobwebs, so to speak.

How are you getting to the parks? Are you driving? If not keep some taxi money in your pocket, just in case the bus lines are crazy long.

No, we won't have a car, so we'll be reliant on Disney transportation. However, I'm going to sign up for Uber and use that if necessary.

 

[Selket]

I have severe OA in both knees and I'm in my early 50's. The doctor wants me to wait until I'm closer to 60 to have replacement if possible. I'm sort of limping along doing all the things discussed (steroid shots, arthritis meds, braces, ice, losing weight, etc.).

I don't quite see why you think the ECV is not a good idea for your situation because that's what I do now. I finally decided last year to rent one for our trip and have done so each trip since (4th coming up) in the past 15 months. I can walk too (usually but this past trip my knee was super painful and kept giving out so I was in the ECV more). Generally I've been able to use the ECV for the long distances and park it and walk onto the rides (with a FP or short waits) and walk around into the stores and such. This has worked great for me and given me SO much more freedom to do what I want. Like I enjoy getting up and going over to get coffee and breakfast and perhaps wander around the resort. I had stopped doing this because of my knees but with the ECV I can do it again.

At home I don't use an ECV and walk (grocery shopping, etc) but Disney is so different with so much more walking. My knees are so .... well they feel like jenga blocks sometimes the way they pop and move and give out. The ECV is a lifesaver for me. Disney is starting to be the only place I can vacation and be able to do so much the way my knees are.

Also I bought a couple of ice packs from amazon.com that came with a wrap to wrap them around the knee. Since they use regular ice they are easy to take anywhere - just ask for ice and you're set. I can use them while I'm on the ECV but it's a little hard to walk with them - lol! This is like mine: https://www.amazon.com/Koo-Care-Therapy-Reusable-Shoulder-checkered/dp/B01AGEFVPI/ I find knee braces to be helpful and I have a few. The ones with the metal stabilizers on the side have worked best for me. Aleve and all that does nothing for me - the doctor gave me a prescription for mobic and that actually made a huge difference when my knees get acutely painful (sometimes they seem to pop and swell up and I can't bend one for example). I don't take it except for acute issues or when I know I'll be walking A LOT.

Best of luck to you with your trip!

 

[areno79]

I have severe OA in both knees and I'm in my early 50's. The doctor wants me to wait until I'm closer to 60 to have replacement if possible. I'm sort of limping along doing all the things discussed (steroid shots, arthritis meds, braces, ice, losing weight, etc.).

I don't quite see why you think the ECV is not a good idea for your situation because that's what I do now. I finally decided last year to rent one for our trip and have done so each trip since (4th coming up) in the past 15 months. I can walk too (usually but this past trip my knee was super painful and kept giving out so I was in the ECV more). Generally I've been able to use the ECV for the long distances and park it and walk onto the rides (with a FP or short waits) and walk around into the stores and such. This has worked great for me and given me SO much more freedom to do what I want. Like I enjoy getting up and going over to get coffee and breakfast and perhaps wander around the resort. I had stopped doing this because of my knees but with the ECV I can do it again.

At home I don't use an ECV and walk (grocery shopping, etc) but Disney is so different with so much more walking. My knees are so .... well they feel like jenga blocks sometimes the way they pop and move and give out. The ECV is a lifesaver for me. Disney is starting to be the only place I can vacation and be able to do so much the way my knees are.

Also I bought a couple of ice packs from amazon.com that came with a wrap to wrap them around the knee. Since they use regular ice they are easy to take anywhere - just ask for ice and you're set. I can use them while I'm on the ECV but it's a little hard to walk with them - lol! This is like mine: https://www.amazon.com/Koo-Care-Therapy-Reusable-Shoulder-checkered/dp/B01AGEFVPI/ I find knee braces to be helpful and I have a few. The ones with the metal stabilizers on the side have worked best for me. Aleve and all that does nothing for me - the doctor gave me a prescription for mobic and that actually made a huge difference when my knees get acutely painful (sometimes they seem to pop and swell up and I can't bend one for example). I don't take it except for acute issues or when I know I'll be walking A LOT.

Best of luck to you with your trip!

Already added that ice pack to my Amazon cart I will have to check into knee braces, it seems. I currently have one of the neoprene sleeve ones but I don't think it does much. Aleve was working for a while, bit now it doesn't seem strong enough. I hate having to rely on medications, but maybe there's a stronger anti-inflammatory I can ask the doctor about.

 

[Selket]

Already added that ice pack to my Amazon cart I will have to check into knee braces, it seems. I currently have one of the neoprene sleeve ones but I don't think it does much. Aleve was working for a while, bit now it doesn't seem strong enough. I hate having to rely on medications, but maybe there's a stronger anti-inflammatory I can ask the doctor about.

Yeah the sleeve style braces don't help me much. I have one I like which looks more like a thick grey sock but it's too hot for summer usually. The sleeves do nothing but this sock thing really feels like it gives some stability. For the knee ice bag wrap I have, I can walk around the house and do things while wearing it - I haven't tried standing up and walking long distances though but with less ice in it that might work.

This is the brace I have with the side stabilizers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M0A4J4
This is the actual knee ice bag wrap I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GU0RZY
These are the sock like knee sleeves that I like a lot - especially for wearing around the house: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W4VNOOM

I rarely bother taking OTC pain relievers now like aleve, advil or tylenol (or their generic versions). The lowest dose of mobic seems to work best and I don't have to take it every day so probably a good trade off in the end. I really disliked popping those OTC meds all the time for pretty much no relief. At this point, I'm better off doing something else (elliptical, swimming) than walking for exercise. I tried biking and had an terrible bike accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury (yes, I was wearing a helmet) so....I can't recommend biking - lol! Keep the ECV in mind for your trip if the walking gets unbearable. Have a great trip!

 

[areno79]

Yeah the sleeve style braces don't help me much. I have one I like which looks more like a thick grey sock but it's too hot for summer usually. The sleeves do nothing but this sock thing really feels like it gives some stability. For the knee ice bag wrap I have, I can walk around the house and do things while wearing it - I haven't tried standing up and walking long distances though but with less ice in it that might work.

This is the brace I have with the side stabilizers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M0A4J4
This is the actual knee ice bag wrap I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GU0RZY
These are the sock like knee sleeves that I like a lot - especially for wearing around the house: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W4VNOOM

I rarely bother taking OTC pain relievers now like aleve, advil or tylenol (or their generic versions). The lowest dose of mobic seems to work best and I don't have to take it every day so probably a good trade off in the end. I really disliked popping those OTC meds all the time for pretty much no relief. At this point, I'm better off doing something else (elliptical, swimming) than walking for exercise. I tried biking and had an terrible bike accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury (yes, I was wearing a helmet) so....I can't recommend biking - lol! Keep the ECV in mind for your trip if the walking gets unbearable. Have a great trip!

Awesome, thanks for the recommendations!! I'm really hoping not to need an ECV. I'll keep it in mind as an option; but I just hate to feel like a burden to my DH. (Which is code for- I'm prideful!)

 

[gap2368]

Awesome, thanks for the recommendations!! I'm really hoping not to need an ECV. I'll keep it in mind as an option; but I just hate to feel like a burden to my DH. (Which is code for- I'm prideful!)

I know needed help ( wether is is a wheel chair ECV, help with some kind of mental illness extra ) is hard thing to accept but please do not be to prideful that you end up hurting your self being grumpy for the pain and having to spend your time in the hotel room ( I know disney hotel room are better then any other hotel room) but I do not think you want to spend the day there. so take a moment ( or a few ) each day and think about how your knee really feel some times in all the excitement at disney we can forget/ not notice that our body are telling us that we need help or to slow day. I would have some numbers of vendors or an back up idea for if you get to the point that you do need a little help

I may have been to prideful to slow down on the 4 of july trip and I got way too over stimulated and total passed out by the time I can too the periomedic were there my hart arrhythmia was really bad and they did give me a wheel chair so I could watch the fire works ( they were going off in about 30 to 45 minute form when this happened) but just as they started my BG dropped down to 28 needless to say I spent the time I would have been enjoying the fire works trying to being my BG back up and missed them

 

[areno79]

I know needed help ( wether is is a wheel chair ECV, help with some kind of mental illness extra ) is hard thing to accept but please do not be to prideful that you end up hurting your self being grumpy for the pain and having to spend your time in the hotel room ( I know disney hotel room are better then any other hotel room) but I do not think you want to spend the day there. so take a moment ( or a few ) each day and think about how your knee really feel some times in all the excitement at disney we can forget/ not notice that our body are telling us that we need help or to slow day. I would have some numbers of vendors or an back up idea for if you get to the point that you do need a little help

I may have been to prideful to slow down on the 4 of july trip and I got way too over stimulated and total passed out by the time I can too the periomedic were there my hart arrhythmia was really bad and they did give me a wheel chair so I could watch the fire works ( they were going off in about 30 to 45 minute form when this happened) but just as they started my BG dropped down to 28 needless to say I spent the time I would have been enjoying the fire works trying to being my BG back up and missed them

I know you are right. I definitely get caught up in the "excitement" of Disney, and inevitably end up in pain. I'll look up some ECV vendors just in case. It's better to be prepared and not need it. Thanks for the words of encouragement

 

[gap2368]

have you thought a bout a wheel chair where you can push it and sit when need too or a roller this might be an option for you too. ( wheel chair are very hard to push the people that are in them full time have them fitted to them they tend to be lighter and just doing it all the time dose build up strength ) so if you feel you will need to sit most of the time an ECV might be best.

Yes ever trip I tell my self I will listen to my body and I will do what I need to do. this has not happened yet between T1D asthma my hart arritmia and thinking oh I am not getting a blister ( I got 4 on one foot and 3 on the other by the time I really listen to my feet telling me I needed to do something) so yes I have been in the being caught up in the I am at disney moments

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

OP, WDW requires miles of walking a day. You could potentially do more damage to your knee if you don't use an ECV. I'm glad you are going to take a look at some rentals and have the numbers handy. I think it will make a better trip for you. And for your husband who won't have to watch you suffer.

 

[GrammyJudy]

I saw an ad for a wrap for arthritic knees that is like ice but I can not remember the name. It looked like a blue ace bandage. Has anyone used anything like that?
Get an EECV and you will be less of a burden to your DH than if you are in pain or have to keep stopping.

 

[maxiesmom]

Already added that ice pack to my Amazon cart I will have to check into knee braces, it seems. I currently have one of the neoprene sleeve ones but I don't think it does much. Aleve was working for a while, bit now it doesn't seem strong enough. I hate having to rely on medications, but maybe there's a stronger anti-inflammatory I can ask the doctor about.

Have you tried KT Tape? They sell it pretty much everywhere, and there are all sorts of videos on Youtube to show you how to apply it. My mom has very bad knees (has been told one needs to be replaced) and I used the tape on her. She was very surprised at how much it helped. She has asked me to apply it again, so it really must help relive the pain.

 

[areno79]

Have you tried KT Tape? They sell it pretty much everywhere, and there are all sorts of videos on Youtube to show you how to apply it. My mom has very bad knees (has been told one needs to be replaced) and I used the tape on her. She was very surprised at how much it helped. She has asked me to apply it again, so it really must help relive the pain.

I have seen it, but haven't tried it. That's a good idea; and easy enough to try out before the trip. Thanks!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I know you are right. I definitely get caught up in the "excitement" of Disney, and inevitably end up in pain. I'll look up some ECV vendors just in case. It's better to be prepared and not need it. Thanks for the words of encouragement

last month was the first trip in a few where I did not need the EVC because of my knee. I used a cane and took it very slow. the thing I learned from using an EVC was to think of it as a tool to help me enjoy my trip, not something I had to use because of pain and not being able to do anything else. and with the EVC I always had a place to sit if I needed it which comes in handy waiting for Disney transportation