I have bad RA in my feet....

[Disney Dider]

Can anyone suggest a really good insole to put inside my tennis shoes that will make them feel better? We have 5 days in the park this time and I am afraid my feet my fall off. LOL

 

[gramto2boys]

What I can tell you is...... if you need a cart get one!! I am serious. I have a serious bad back, and I have Arthritis in my hands, feet and hips. I get a cart and I am not embaressed about it.
Sweetie, if you have that many days, and you want to have the best time, get a cart I look forward to your trip report when you come back!!

 

[Master Mason]

Can anyone suggest a really good insole to put inside my tennis shoes that will make them feel better? We have 5 days in the park this time and I am afraid my feet my fall off. LOL

Your on short time now, but my strong suggestion is to ditch the tennis shoes and get yourself something that is really comfortable. I wear either crocs or birks to the park, others have their favorites. There is no subsitute for having a good pair of shoes.

 

[Disney Dider]

Crocs hurt my feet. So do Birkenstock's. There is not near enough support. I might be able to wear them for a few hours but not five days.

As far as getting a cart, I don't think I could do that just yet no matter how bad I was hurting. I am only 33 and I think I would feel silly. I am hoping with good insoles they will last me the 5 days.

 

[Master Mason]

Crocs hurt my feet. So do Birkenstock's. There is not near enough support. I might be able to wear them for a few hours but not five days.

As far as getting a cart, I don't think I could do that just yet no matter how bad I was hurting. I am only 33 and I think I would feel silly. I am hoping with good insoles they will last me the 5 days.

Fair enough, everyones feet are different. But after your trip, you should go to various shoe places and find the ones that do fit your feet, as I said others have their favorites, I have heard good things about teva's and others.

If I wear tennis shoes, there is no way I can make it though the day, my back would be killing me.

 

[samkj]

My mom has RA too and swears by her "Keen" sandles. They are the only ones that offer the support she needs. She has 3-4 pairs and has been everywhere in them including 16 days travelling through Europe, with tons of walking.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Can anyone suggest a really good insole to put inside my tennis shoes that will make them feel better? We have 5 days in the park this time and I am afraid my feet my fall off. LOL

Did you ever consult a dr like an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist? They specialize in problems w/ bone/joints and they can steer you toward the best types of insoles for your feet. There are so many, and some work well for certain types of issues and others work well for other types of issues. I'd try to find a podiatrist or Orthopedic surgeon to check you out, and they will tell you exactly what type you should get for your feet. They can even tell you what stores carry them in your local area. It's worth a shot to not be in pain. The feet are an amazing thing. I never really had too much problems but a few years ago I broke a couple of toes on one foot and my feet and they way I bear the weight of my body has never been the same. I now get callouses and blisters in places on both feet where I never used to get them. It's horrible. I'm trying to figure out what I can do because the only thing I can wear that doesn't hurt my feet anymore are flip flops.
If you find a good pair post it here, I'd love to see it.

 

[avalon451]

There was a post about shoes just a couple of days ago.

I broke my foot 2 years ago and was seeing a podiatrist for almost a year, plus a physical therapist. It was the physical therapist who steered me toward Superfeet insoles. http://www.superfeet.com/ Then when I saw the podiatrist, and she saw I was wearing them, she said "YES! you should always be wearing Superfeet, and I want you in really good athletic shoes whenever possible."

Superfeet are expensive, but I got some at nearly wholesale on E-bay, i think for $24.00 a pair. SO worth it! "Gel" insoles don't come close, I've tried them.

Also the podiatrist said that you have to spend a little money on decent athletic shoes. She has me in New Balance, which are good for my high arches. They give a lot of support. There are other brands she liked, like Brooks... She also said that for a lot of walking, light hikers, like Hi Tek, with low rise, are really good. The physical therapist was the one who gave me tips on what to look for in athletic shoes. I remember he said that you should hold up the shoe, and pinch the back of the heel near the sole. The top (by the shoe opening) should not cave or bow in. Also you should be able to hold the heel and the toe and flex the shoe. It should be able to bend up in the middle. (not flexible in the heel, flexible in the foot, he said).

If you are wearing good shoes and good insoles, your feet are supporting your legs and back in a balanced, correct way. Not only will your feet be happier, your whole body will, too. If you go to a store that specializes in runner's supplies, they have people who are very knowlegable about what different shapes and kinds of feet need. They can usually watch how you stand and walk, and fit you with shoes that are just right for you.

I do not really understand people who say that athletic shoes kill their feet, unless they are wearing cheap ones. People talk about getting cheap shoes at Payless or Walmart, and then can't understand why their feet hurt. There really truly is a difference in quality, that's what you are paying for, believe it or not. People who will spend $50. on an outfit without a second thought, would be horrified to spend that on shoes, yet you wear the shoes EVERY DAY, sometimes 16 hours a day (and they last for 4-6 months). Why wouldn't you invest in the best, when it makes your whole body feel better?

My husband runs daily, buys Brooks, and spends around $100. for them twice a year. If he gets cheaper shoes, he knows immediately because he gets terrible shin splints, backache, etc. Just an example.

Sorry about the long post! Hope this info helps. Take care of your tender RA feeties!

 

[SailingBeagle]

Crocs hurt my feet. So do Birkenstock's. There is not near enough support. I might be able to wear them for a few hours but not five days.

As far as getting a cart, I don't think I could do that just yet no matter how bad I was hurting. I am only 33 and I think I would feel silly. I am hoping with good insoles they will last me the 5 days.

Let me tell you about getting an ECV....We visit WDW 2 x year and 3 years ago, my husband convinced me to try an ECV, so I would enjoy the vacation
and be in less pain, I have arthritis in both kness.
It has been the BEST THING I EVER DID!!!!!!!!!! At the end of a long day,
in the large parks at WDW, I am pain free.
I only wish I had done it sooner...now my husband is considering getting one
( he does not have any medical issues) just so he can keep up with me.

I so much more enjoy the parks with my ECV.
I am a little older then you , but not my that much.

Try it your vacation will be that much more magical.

 

[disney-inspired]

Can anyone suggest a really good insole to put inside my tennis shoes that will make them feel better? We have 5 days in the park this time and I am afraid my feet my fall off. LOL

Oh, I'm sorry! My neighbor and good family friend has RA all over her body and it's really hard on her, and she's so young.

Like another poster said, if you need a cart please get one! There is no need to be in pain in the happiest place on Earth. Hope you enjoy yourself!

About feeling silly, I'm 19yo and I injured my sciatic nerve in my right leg from many falls (being overweight doesn't help either, but I'm working on this) so if I don't wear the right shoes or stand too long (walking is a breeze) I get a shooting pain from my lower back down my thigh to my knee. My grandma has a bad leg as well. So when we went to DL/DCA for the 2fer last year, we took turns riding the ECV. It helped SO much. Don't feel silly because only you know your condition.

 

[bumbershoot]

Crocs hurt my feet. So do Birkenstock's. There is not near enough support. I might be able to wear them for a few hours but not five days.

As far as getting a cart, I don't think I could do that just yet no matter how bad I was hurting. I am only 33 and I think I would feel silly. I am hoping with good insoles they will last me the 5 days.

Well, for me variety is key. My feet, which are basically normal though hobbit-like in shape, will NOT stand for one pair of shoes day in and day out. At Disneyland I must switch them out at least once a day. So I wear Crocs for part of the day, and other shoes another part, if there's a stop at the hotel or if I'm carrying the other shoes with me (which I did on my solo trip).

Please, if you are hurting, take advantage of the things that can make your life easier. ECVs and wheeled chairs are there for people who, among other things, are in awful pain while walking. They are there to make things better for you. If you're in pain, get one, and don't feel silly. Be easy on yourself. :hug

 

[tortugaverde]

I have RA as well as a seriously flat foot (just one ). I have had two surgeries on this particular foot. I have tried just about every shoe and insert. Obviously everyones feet are different, but I have found that New Balance shoes offer the most support (as far as arch goes). As far as inserts, none have worked for me... with the exception of a custom made insert (around $300.00).
However, if I am going to do some walking... I MUST wear my Tevas. They are about 13 years old and a little frayed... but they are the absolute BEST shoe for me while walking. And no blisters

 

[JadeDarkstar]

im getting an ECV next time i go and im 23 theres nothing wrong with it. i have leg problems from acdent a few years ago. i tried with out on in nov-dec trip and wish i would of just got one. They are fine and no one should make fun of you and if so well there loss not yours..hay a evc's get you good seats at shows and stuff too.

 

[Disney Dider]

Thanks for your replies. I will check out superfeet. I DO have RA all over. Back, neck, hands, feet, knees and hips. I'm just hoping it wont be flaring while I am there. When I was there last September I was on painkillers so I didn't notice it much. My RA doc says good athletic shoes and replace them every few months. I feel like the ones I have are still pretty good. I got them in September. Are New Balance sold everywhere?

 

[gramto2boys]

im getting an ECV next time i go and im 23 theres nothing wrong with it. i have leg problems from acdent a few years ago. i tried with out on in nov-dec trip and wish i would of just got one. They are fine and no one should make fun of you and if so well there loss not yours..hay a evc's get you good seats at shows and stuff too.

good for you!! I plan on using one again to it made my trip perfect.

Thanks for your replies. I will check out superfeet. I DO have RA all over. Back, neck, hands, feet, knees and hips. I'm just hoping it wont be flaring while I am there. When I was there last September I was on painkillers so I didn't notice it much. My RA doc says good athletic shoes and replace them every few months. I feel like the ones I have are still pretty good. I got them in September. Are New Balance sold everywhere?

Seriously, if the pain gets bad use an chair. I was pon pain lkillers one time and I was misrable. do nto worry about what others think. its your body and if it means a chair, to get arouind and to have no pain then I would sugest doing it. not everyone is old using them

 

[avalon451]

Are New Balance sold everywhere?

Yep, pretty much. They're one of the major brands.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I do not really understand people who say that athletic shoes kill their feet, unless they are wearing cheap ones. People talk about getting cheap shoes at Payless or Walmart, and then can't understand why their feet hurt. There really truly is a difference in quality, that's what you are paying for, believe it or not. People who will spend $50. on an outfit without a second thought, would be horrified to spend that on shoes, yet you wear the shoes EVERY DAY, sometimes 16 hours a day (and they last for 4-6 months). Why wouldn't you invest in the best, when it makes your whole body feel better?

Sorry about the long post! Hope this info helps. Take care of your tender RA feeties!

Hi Avalon451,
I am one of those complainers, but the weird thing is I have always taken good care of my feet because I've always had foot problems (since childhood). I always used top of the line New Balance running shoes w/ store bought insole along w/ coolmax socks, and went through 2 more pairs and a new set of insoles last year until I finally gave up. Since I broke my toes a few years ago, my feet and shoes just don't bear weight the same way. I get blisters and callouses where I had never gotten them and I don't think that'll change. I also have high arches and mild pronation, but somehow since the broken toes, I now get blisters under my pinky toes (which turn into callouses eewww) in addition to the typical callouses I would normally get from mild pronation. And my feet hurt even with my insoles in my NB shoes. W/out the insoles I feel like I don't have enough arch support due to the high arches. So they hurt either way. With the blistering it makes it unbearable to wear enclosed shoes for longer than a 2 hour workout. I can't wear them all day long or I wouldn't be able to walk once the blisters set in.
You have inspired me to give it another shot. I'm going to go down to the local runing store and try to see if they can help me find another type of shoe or insole that's better. Just wanted to let you knowe that not all people who complain about their feet or discomfort in running shoes wear cheap shoes. I have really hit the wall on this one; it seems like any type of enclosed shoes just does me in due to the blistering.

 

[avalon451]

Hi Avalon451,
I am one of those complainers, but the weird thing is I have always taken good care of my feet because I've always had foot problems (since childhood). I always used top of the line New Balance running shoes w/ store bought insole along w/ coolmax socks, and went through 2 more pairs and a new set of insoles last year until I finally gave up. Since I broke my toes a few years ago, my feet and shoes just don't bear weight the same way. I get blisters and callouses where I had never gotten them and I don't think that'll change. I also have high arches and mild pronation, but somehow since the broken toes, I now get blisters under my pinky toes (which turn into callouses eewww) in addition to the typical callouses I would normally get from mild pronation. And my feet hurt even with my insoles in my NB shoes. W/out the insoles I feel like I don't have enough arch support due to the high arches. So they hurt either way. With the blistering it makes it unbearable to wear enclosed shoes for longer than a 2 hour workout. I can't wear them all day long or I wouldn't be able to walk once the blisters set in.
You have inspired me to give it another shot. I'm going to go down to the local runing store and try to see if they can help me find another type of shoe or insole that's better. Just wanted to let you knowe that not all people who complain about their feet or discomfort in running shoes wear cheap shoes. I have really hit the wall on this one; it seems like any type of enclosed shoes just does me in due to the blistering.

Wow, DSF, no fun! I hope you can find some solutions for your poor tootsies!

When you broke your toes, did you see an orthopedist or a podiatrist or something? Just wondering... my regular doctor referred me to a podiatrist (so insurance would pay for it, yay!) and I was SO glad to get some really expert advice on my feet... she really knew her stuff and was very helpful. Maybe you could get some solutions that way, if there is any way you can get in to see a podiatrist.

If you get blisters in the same places, would putting moleskin bandages over that area help?

Good luck!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Wow, DSF, no fun! I hope you can find some solutions for your poor tootsies!

When you broke your toes, did you see an orthopedist or a podiatrist or something? Just wondering... my regular doctor referred me to a podiatrist (so insurance would pay for it, yay!) and I was SO glad to get some really expert advice on my feet... she really knew her stuff and was very helpful. Maybe you could get some solutions that way, if there is any way you can get in to see a podiatrist.

If you get blisters in the same places, would putting moleskin bandages over that area help?

Good luck!

Yeah I did see an Orthopedist and all he said was, "yeah, you broke them all right." Then he taped them up and told me how to do it, and that was it. All this time my regular DR told me that yes, my feet will never be the same because I broke my toes and the toes balance out the feet and thus the way we bear weight while walking. There is no way to truly 'set' the toes, unlike other bones. All they do is tape them up and tape them next to each other. Each toes is comprised of so many smaller bones. I can tell just by looking at my feet that the toes don't look the same as the other toes. I just figured that my DR was right. My allergy Dr actually recently told me I should go see a podiatrist, after I complained to him about the feet. I've been procrastinating making the appt. I'm constantly having to shave down the callouses (I know it's gross). I do it at least weekly or it becomes unbearable. I think I will make the appt to see the podiatrist and also go to the running store. I was looking at the Brooks shoes. They look pretty good (online anyway).

 

[avalon451]

Yeah I did see an Orthopedist and all he said was, "yeah, you broke them all right." Then he taped them up and told me how to do it, and that was it. All this time my regular DR told me that yes, my feet will never be the same because I broke my toes and the toes balance out the feet and thus the way we bear weight while walking. There is no way to truly 'set' the toes, unlike other bones. All they do is tape them up and tape them next to each other. Each toes is comprised of so many smaller bones. I can tell just by looking at my feet that the toes don't look the same as the other toes. I just figured that my DR was right. My allergy Dr actually recently told me I should go see a podiatrist, after I complained to him about the feet. I've been procrastinating making the appt. I'm constantly having to shave down the callouses (I know it's gross). I do it at least weekly or it becomes unbearable. I think I will make the appt to see the podiatrist and also go to the running store. I was looking at the Brooks shoes. They look pretty good (online anyway).

I wonder if a podiatrist might help you more? Considering that an orthopedist does bones ALL OVER the body, and a podiatrist only concentrates on the foot... the Pod. might be better. My physical therapist said something along those lines, but I don't know how accurate it was... something like, the orthopedist wants to do surgery otherwise they're not too interested. Podiatrists want to help your feet work better, preferably without surgery if possible. Makes orthopedists sound awful, which I'm sure they're not! But maybe there's some truth in there about the focus of their knowledge.

When I first broke my foot, an orthopedist "consulted" with my regular doc (I never saw him in person) and recommended that I wear a boot for 3 weeks. WHen I still had bad problems and went to see the podiatrist 3 months later, she sighed and said, "Nope, you should've seen me first. You need to be in the boot for 3 MONTHS, and then if you're very lucky and we haven't left it too late, maybe we won't have to do surgery." We didn't, happily, but it took a lot of time and physical therapy to heal.

Prolly more than you wanted to know! Ah, well, I'd love to hear from you if you find out any solutions. PM me!