Foot problems in WDW... the AGONY of de FEET!

[flyinglizard]

Stupid question...

Are you supposed to use the spray anti-perspirant on the tops of your feet?

I tried it on the bottom of my toes without success...

 

[CanadaPT]

Originally posted by flyinglizard


CanadaPT- You sound like a podiatrist! Yeah, for me driving for an hour or more is a killer, not just my accelerator foot- both of them. I do get relief by using cruise control and doing a little dance with my feet occasionally while driving, including pushing hard on the far left firewall with both feet. I tried flat foot on the gas, didn't seem to help much. Not sure how much toe pressure I was using. Do you think A/C aggravates the problem? Any other tips for long distance drivers???

Hi there, Actually not a podiatrist but I am a physical therapist and I treat many, many people with plantar fasciitis every day! Yes, A/C can aggravate the condition because when the fascia is tight, there is already a decrease in blood flow to the foot. The colder air will further constrict the vessels and then all the waste products in the foot have no where to go! Sounds like you are doing the best job keeping your foot moving. My only suggestion is to stop more along the way to get out of the car, stretch and take a break. You may even want to talk to your doctor about getting a night splint to wear while sleeping.
Good luck!

 

[flyinglizard]

CanadaPT- Could you please explain to me about "waste products in the foot have no where to go"? How does this cause that "stiffening" feeling that is so painful when I get out of the car?

Do you think regular use of high anti-oxidant fruit juice would have a beneficial effect in eliminating those waste products?

Thanks for your consideration and suggestions...

 

[Straitlover]

Flyinglizard,

I checked at Target yesterday for men's socks. They do have some CoolMax socks for men, Prospirit brand. They are the running socks that are the low cut ankle ones, andd they are only in white. They were 3.99 for 2 pair here in NC.

For the ladies, they also had some Prospirit ones in 6 packs for 7.99. This particular store did not have the ones I bought last week at another store (the Danskin Freestyle ones).

 

[donac]

I have bone spurs attached to the Achilles Tendon and have been a lot of pain since my last trip. Arch supports have been a real life saver. I had some from my podiatrist and I can almost make throughout the entire day (I am a school teacher). He really doesn't want me walking any extra on it so I am glad that I am not going to Disney this summer.

One thing he did say to me was to ice it after I got home from work to reduce swelling and to use a heating pad before I go to bed to help blood flow.


Dona

 

[CanadaPT]

Originally posted by flyinglizard
CanadaPT- Could you please explain to me about "waste products in the foot have no where to go"? How does this cause that "stiffening" feeling that is so painful when I get out of the car?

Do you think regular use of high anti-oxidant fruit juice would have a beneficial effect in eliminating those waste products?

When muscles are very tight, the blood vessels around them become constricted. But because the body continues to use them (to walk!) they still need energy. Because little oxygen is getting to the muscles through the circulatory system, the muscles use a different process to get energy. This process isn't as effective and although energy IS produced, this process also creates a waste product called lactic acid. This is that "crunchy" feeling at the sole of your foot when you massage the arch.

Anti-oxidant fruit juice is an excellent way to assist in rehydrating and assisting in this problem!

 

[flyinglizard]

CanadatPT- Thank you for sharing all of your expertise once again.

 

[kramer_clan]

This is such a great thread. I have the same problems with my left foot. Now that I am in a job that I am not on my feet all day, it seems to be better. But it flares up now and then.

You all are so right about the New Balance shoes. I just purchased two pair last month. This time instead of buying the expensive insoles to replace the ones in the new shoes, I went and bought some Odor Eaters and slipped those in on top of the insoles. This along with the microfiber socks, have kept my feet cool and dry.

I try to do the exercises in the morning before getting out of bed, but I tend to forget sometimes.

Wishing you all good luck and thanks for all the great tips. I intend to use some of them.

Vicki

 

[bcarson]

Well I can't stress the importance enough to wear good shoes. I ended up with the plantar facitis (spelling)??? last week after being at Disney. My foot killed me all week after we got back. I went Fri. and that was what the podiatrist said it was. Now he said one trip to Disney would not have done it. But I am active all the time and so it was probably coming on already. He gave me a shot, ultrasound and wrapped it. It actually feels better already. But I fessed up I wore sandals some and he said a big no no. I actually have been wanting to get a pair of New Balance and I think I will. It doesn't pay not to wear good shoes!!!

 

[powellrj]

wow great thread, thanks for all the wonderful ideas. I was just talking to DH last night and wondered if my feet and knees could stand this next trip. I have been to 4 doctors and am on anti-inflam. meds and have orthodics in my shoes. I will now try the fruit juice, tennis ball and ice treatments. They can't hurt!!

 

[Dalpal]

Duct tape!
You know the tape you use for air ducts! I read it in (I think) the passporter or there site on line. I know it sound crazy, but he says it really works, He had the same problem that I have. My little toe gets blistered, because it turns under the toe next to it and I end up walking on it. he said the duct tape works for that. I havent had a chance to try it yet and was wondering if anyone has heard of or tried this.

 

[flyinglizard]

Just wanted to add a couple thoughts that may be of some help to someone out there with Plantar Fasciitis.

I currently work at a furniture store and I am on my feet a lot, with a staircase I use often. I do have an opportunity to sit frequently. The exercise I get seems to be helping the PF, maybe the stairs are good exercise. My problems were much worse when I used to drive for hours between accounts.

At work I wear New Balance 700 casual leather walkers, and SAS "Time Out" walkers, and occasionally on short days I wear NB 735 dress shoes. All are leather, and present a "dressed" professional appearance. I've found it's very important for me to wear these shoes to minimize the discomfort of the PF at work.

PF is NOT something you only get from a week of walking at WDW, you have it all the time, it just gets worse when you are walking at the World for 5 or 6 days in a row. From my experience, wearing these "better" shoes at work on a daily basis, gives me less discomfort when I am walking so much for that one week at WDW.

The SAS shoes are more expensive than NB, but I find they provide equal comfort.

I have not had any success with heel pads or heel cups. In some cases they seemed to worsen the problem. I have tried a lot of different ones.

I have also found that the minimal cushion effect of socks is very important if you have PF. Please just take my word for it!

The limping I experienced at WDW from painful blisters on the toe bottoms may have aggravated the PF by altering my normal walk. Not sure about that. The Shea butter seemed to eliminate the blister problem and now I use it every day. No blisters = no PF?

I just hope what I have had to say, and what everyone else has contributed to this thread (especially CanadaPT), will help someone out there enjoy a whole week of walking at WDW without the AGONY OF DE FEET!

 

[CanadaPT]

Hopefully lots of people on the boards will take some of these suggestions because being on your feet all day (whether at work or at WDW) is hard enough, adding on the pain and discomfort of Plantar Fasciitis is even worse.

I noticed some posters talking about sandals. If you have PF or arch problems, be wary of sandals. The lack of arch support often causes the fascia to stay very tight and painful. Same goes for those who love to walk barefoot in the home or hotel room. Lack of arch support and footwear is a MAJOR contributing factor to this injury.

Lastly, before you purchase expensive heel lifts/arch support/orthotics, visit your local sports physiotherapy clinic and have them tape up your foot. You will know almost right away if arch support will assist in decreasing your pain because the relief will be fairly immediate.

Good luck everyone and if you have any specific questions please feel free to PM me.