Help! Major knee issue and need advice on the best shoes to wear

[MamaDunk]

Hi there.

I just started having major knee issues (45 days ago) that have led to me having steroid and finally Gel One injection into my right knee. I'm still blown away with the fact that my knee just refuses to let me do what I once could. So I'm adjusting the best I can but when it comes to the thought of walking for hours and hours on our upcoming trip I'm freaking out. Any suggestions on shoes would be great and any suggestions on how to make my knee a little happier I'll take too

 

[vicwishes]

My experience with a knee I torqued (don’t know the medical term for my injury) a few years ago: iced it when in acute pain and Ibuprofen for the swelling. When I was feeling better, I started using an elliptical machine at a low speed, with no incline or resistance. I just used it as long as I felt no pain. Speed did make a difference to feeling pain. Over time, I strengthened the muscles around my knee. I can walk pretty well, until I try to walk fast and my knee let’s me know to slow down. No running at rope drop for me.

I found a great shoe for my old, arthritic bones. New Balance women’s fresh foam 1080v6 running shoe in wide width. It is super comfortable. It is important when trying shoes, to walk around the store, note how your feet and knees feel. Any twinge of pain and it’s a no go.

I try to build in to my WDW park days times to sit and rest my body. COP, Country Bears, etc, There are a lot of opportunities to sit and be entertained in all the parks. I also learned to slow down and enjoy all the surroundings, instead of rushing from one thing to the next. Good luck and heal fast.

 

[mnasf]

Do knee braces or sleeves help give you support and help it feel better? Maybe you could wear one every other day or half the day. For shoes, I like Ahnu Montara II Waterproof Hiking Shoes or Dansko. I love my Ahnu shoes. I will buy them again. REI no longer sells the ones I got, but maybe elsewhere.

 

[cwis]

DW has had some knee issues and likes her Adidas Duramo 7. Feels like walking on a cloud, and they're breathable enough that they're actually confortable in the Florida heat.

 

[mnasf]

Also get a few pairs of socks with padding in the ball and heel. These help me, too.

 

[MamaDunk]

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions!!

 

[Linleedo]

Hi there.

I just started having major knee issues (45 days ago) that have led to me having steroid and finally Gel One injection into my right knee. I'm still blown away with the fact that my knee just refuses to let me do what I once could. So I'm adjusting the best I can but when it comes to the thought of walking for hours and hours on our upcoming trip I'm freaking out. Any suggestions on shoes would be great and any suggestions on how to make my knee a little happier I'll take too

Wear New Balance sneakers for support, a compression knee brace, keep up with anti inflammatory meds, apply ice if needed and elevate when you have a chance. Check with your doctor for advice.

 

[MamaDunk]

Thank you so much!!! I'm so scared and excited about going at the same time lol.

 

[jmb4118]

If you have a good running store in your area, it's really worth it to go in and have them help you pick out a shoe. They will watch you walk and make suggestions on shoes for the best support. The trick is to find a store that specializes (so not a Foot locker or general shoe store). My local running store even has a treadmill and they record your walking or running on it to see what you need. Makes a world of difference on support! I'm currently in love with the Brooks that I have, but I've also used Saucony. Granted, it have terrible feet not knee's, but I go for the knowledge on supportive shoes!

 

[MamaDunk]

If you have a good running store in your area, it's really worth it to go in and have them help you pick out a shoe. They will watch you walk and make suggestions on shoes for the best support. The trick is to find a store that specializes (so not a Foot locker or general shoe store). My local running store even has a treadmill and they record your walking or running on it to see what you need. Makes a world of difference on support! I'm currently in love with the Brooks that I have, but I've also used Saucony. Granted, it have terrible feet not knee's, but I go for the knowledge on supportive shoes!

That's a great idea! I'll look for a store this evening! Thank you!!

 

[ShayBells]

I went last year with fluid in my knee. I had a sleeve which helped so much and I made sure to stop and sit on a bench once the pain flared up at all. It helped scheduling more breaks when we usually go go go. I was scared before I went too but it ended up not being as bad as I thought. Have fun!!

 

[MamaDunk]

I went last year with fluid in my knee. I had a sleeve which helped so much and I made sure to stop and sit on a bench once the pain flared up at all. It helped scheduling more breaks when we usually go go go. I was scared before I went too but it ended up not being as bad as I thought. Have fun!!

You know exactly what I'm going through then! I will take your advice and make sure I rest. I'm looking at sleeves right now and figure I'll start wearing it before I go. Thank you!!!

 

[Ceilidhscot]

Knee braces can be pretty uncomfortable as neoprene isn’t very breathable so you’ll find your knee will start to sweat and they either have a tendency of slipping or being too tight so you can’t get a happy medium (I’ve trief various ones over the years and have yet to find one that’s completely comfortable).

I’d go to a specialist sports shop that has gait analysis as they’ll be able to check how you walk and whether you need extra support somewhere in the shoe. Might cost a little bit more but will be worth it to find something that’s really comfortable. I’ve had knee surgery 3 times now (torn meniscus)

 

[powellrj]

If when you are there and you start to feel worse, you can rent an ECV. Research before you go and get some phone numbers of some off-site vendors you can call and have one delivered to you. It will be much cheaper than renting at the parks and you will also have it to take back to your hotel.

If you have any questions head over to the Disabilities board and they are great about any questions you may have.

 

[robinb]

I just did 5 days at Disneyland with a bad knee. Mine is not bad enough to need injections, so yours would be worse than mine. I did nearly 10 miles on my first day and averaged 5-7 the other days. My knee hurt like heck. I'm not sure if SHOES will help you. I wore my Birkenstocks and my Nike running shoes with my custom inserts and my knee hurt. A lot.

I bought ice packs for my last December trip that worked really well ...

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1IU1T8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
... but I forgot them . I ended buying gallon ziplock bags to use for ice. I iced everytime I went back to my room. I also took a lot of ibuprofen. I also used Icy Hot on my knee, but I wish I had remembered by T-Relief cream (with Arnica) which works much better.

If your knee doesn't cooperate, I would consider renting a scooter to get around.

 

[adamreisinger]

I have degenerative patellar tendinitis in my right knee and used to have a terrible time walking around the parks until I made two changes:
1. Wear New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers (Adidas UltraBoost would work as well, but the New Balances are much less expensive)
2. Ice my knee in the hotel room every night. Even 20 minutes of ice treatment makes an incredible difference.

Hope you find shoes and treatment that works for you!