Ibuprofen for Foot Relief?

[Traver Freeman]

Our trip is next week. I was just watching a vlog and the girl mentioned her #1 tip is to get ibuprofen for your feet.

Any thoughts on this? My feet are always killing me by the end of the trip (7 days).

I looked at some other articles on the boards, but people are just talking about switching shoes or type of shoes or type of socks or whatever.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts specifically with ibuprofen?

 

[mom2rtk]

I take it every night we are at Disney, also during the day if I'm noticing foot pain, which I usually do.

I also switch up my shoes, soak my feet, etc.

It's an "all of the above" approach.

 

[Tink_83]

My husband likes to "pre-medicate" in the morning before a long day of activity. It can certainly help you; the reason other boards mention footwear, etc. is because preventing pain before it begins would be best but in some cases is just not going to happen so ibuprofen or another pain reliever would also help. It can also help with other soar muscles caused by long days walking as well so you may find it makes you more comfortable on your trip overall. Good luck!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I have plantar fasciitis and even with really good shoes, my feet are killing me by the end of our park days. Ibuprofen is what my podiatrist recommended, along with stretching and ice.

 

[bumbershoot]

1. Shoes that really work for your feet. Maybe more than one pair. I like a good pair of running shoes that work for me AND some nice squashy flip flops.

2. BodyGlide to prevent blisters.

3. If wearing shoes that require socks, non-cotton, moisture-wicking socks are what you want.

4. Epsom salts to soak in after a long day.

5. Arnica cream/gel/lotion to massage into feet and ankles.

6. Painkillers if you really need them. I try hard to avoid them, because it lets me be stupid with my body since I can't feel the damage I'm doing. Sidenote: the First Aid stations at each park have painkillers you can get for free. Ibuprofen, aspirin (I believe), and acetominophen. (ibuprofen = nurofen and acetominophen = paracetamol for the non-Americans among us)

 

[dreiwhit]

I take a couple of ibuprofin in the morning before we leave the condo. I also take a couple at lunch. It does seem to help.

I also wear moisture wicking socks and heavily powder my feet with talcum based powder before we leave for the park. At night, after we get back to the condo, I take off my shoes and wear a pair of flip flops. Before I climb in bed, I rub my feet down with Icy Hot.

 

[Traver Freeman]

I take a couple of ibuprofin in the morning before we leave the condo. I also take a couple at lunch. It does seem to help.

I also wear moisture wicking socks and heavily powder my feet with talcum based powder before we leave for the park. At night, after we get back to the condo, I take off my shoes and wear a pair of flip flops. Before I climb in bed, I rub my feet down with Icy Hot.

Is the main source of pain being swollen feet then? Is the basic goal to prevent then from getting sweaty and over heated? Would you recommend switching to Flip-flops mid day for 3-4 hours?

I assume I ought be doing the ibuprofen from Day 1, then, even though the pain doesn't typically start until Day 3? Just keep ahead of it?

 

[dreiwhit]

Is the main source of pain being swollen feet then? Is the basic goal to prevent then from getting sweaty and over heated? Would you recommend switching to Flip-flops mid day for 3-4 hours?

Not so much swollen feet, but the aches and pains of standing up a lot and walking quite a few miles per day (although we try to keep walking to a minimum.) Although I walk for exercise daily, Disney is much more walking that I do normally. Its also a lot of walking slowly, stopping, standing, etc. - different than just walking for exercise.

Your feet are going to sweat, but you want to try to keep your socks from getting soaked with sweat (hence, moisture wicking socks.) Cotton socks soaked with sweat are like sandpaper after a while. A former boss of mine swears by changing socks while at the park. Other folks will rub their feet down with Body Glide or even vasoline. I prefer to powder mine with talcum baby powder. BTW, don't get corn starch. It will clump and its a great growth media for fungus. BTW, when we are eating lunch, I will also slip off my shoes to let my feet cool down.

Regarding flip flops, that's a question that only you can answer. Do you wear them a lot? Are they comfortable? Can you walk miles in them? For me, I can't wear them long because I have plantars fasciatis, so I wear my Sketchers with orthodics in them. I have read that some people will take a pair of flip flops in their park bag and either wear them on water rides or change into flip flops part way through the day.

I assume I ought be doing the ibuprofen from Day 1, then, even though the pain doesn't typically start until Day 3? Just keep ahead of it?

Yes, you want to keep ahead of any pain. Start taking them on the morning of your first day, and then take them at lunch. I do this for my feet, although I also take ibuprofin for my early onset osteoarthritis (a 40th birthday present....)

BTW, and this may sound like a weird question, but do you have a wife named Amy? If so, I met both of you in late February when you came to Alabama.

 

[Tink_83]

Regarding flipflops there is a really nice pair called OluKai, the non-leather ones are waterproof and they have arch support. They are not inexpensive but I spent all summer in them... again this is personal preference and depends on your feet. I'd go to a store and try them out. Also REI has a great return policy so even if you wear them for a week and then decide you don't like them they will take them back...

https://www.rei.com/product/812902/olukai-ohana-flip-flops-womens

 

[pktbMouse]

Just remember not to put anything on the soles of your feet...this is where you sweat and helps you controll your body temperature so you dont overheat..

 

[DisTXMom]

I use essential oil on our feet at night. The one I use is a blend called Aromatouch- I has number of different oils in it including peppermint, lavender, basil, marjoram. I think using these before bed helps a lot. I have a pair of oulakai flip flops and agree they are a nice break.

 

[12jdc]

I saw that video too. I thought she might have a good idea there. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug so it does have a double punch by providing pain relief and reducing inflammation that something like Tylenol isn't going to give you. I might try it myself and see how it works after day 1 lol. Someone posted earlier that you want to start taking it before the pain starts or gets bad which is a good rule to follow, but do be aware of the precautions on dosage etc., follow the manufacturer's instructions and look up Ibuprofen and who should avoid it. Over the counter medications can cause serious issues when directions are not followed or if you take the medication and have existing medical conditions that warrant that you avoid taking it.

 

[Accident]

As mentioned ibuprofen can help.. I do want to stress looking at your shoes and socks though as it has been life altering in my everyday life and not just at disney. Bare minimum, go onto the dr schools website and find the closest machine to your house that can tell you which customized insert to purchase and come home with one. It will take a little to get used to it but it won't take long to tell how it's improving life in general. And since you know which to buy, you can just order them at amazon. Then you can swap out the insert in any brand or style shoe for something that perfectly matches how you stand and where you put pressure down.

Socks is more make sure they aren't moving around on you and adding too much cushion.. Generally if you get blisters when you walk around a lot, you should try a different style sock or you've waited to long to replace your favorite pairs.

 

[Dis703]

I have PF, but as long as I wear good supportive shoes (specifically with great arch support) I don't generally experience pain anymore from walking in the parks. Before having PF I had zero issues at the parks. Before I figured out what kind of shoe I needed to wear I took ibuprofen in the morning and as needed later on. But really proper support is the most important thing.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Two trips ago my feet were just killing me particularly bad. I mean throbbing while laying down after a day in the park. DH suggested I take some ibuprofen the next morning when I was having trouble just walking around the room. Wouldn't you know my feet felt magical within an hour! I could have kicked myself for not thinking of it sooner.

It's a great option when they are hurting but the more you can do to prevent it, the better. I usually try to take multiple pairs of shoes since it helps relieve different pressure points. I also put biofreeze on the bottom of my feet every evening (tip I received from my chiropractor).

Long story short- pack the extra ibuprofen!!

 

[mnamna]

Like a PP said, it can be helpful, but is most effective as a preventative measure. Since it is a NSAID, it helps reduce/prevent swelling and inflammation, and helps block pain somewhat, but if you're in pain there is more going on that you should be considering and taking care of, as the ibuorofen is more of a bandaid for the damage after the fact.

For me, supportive shoes are a must, as are good, thicker, cushiony socks. I'll also be using an aerosol antiperspirant on my feet this trip, and keeping the ligaments in my arch stretched with the help of a ****asu massager.

 

[mom2rtk]

Like a PP said, it can be helpful, but is most effective as a preventative measure. Since it is a NSAID, it helps reduce/prevent swelling and inflammation, and helps block pain somewhat, but if you're in pain there is more going on that you should be considering and taking care of, as the ibuorofen is more of a bandaid for the damage after the fact.

For me, supportive shoes are a must, as are good, thicker, cushiony socks. I'll also be using an aerosol antiperspirant on my feet this trip, and keeping the ligaments in my arch stretched with the help of a ****asu massager.

At the dosage most are taking over the counter, NSAIDs really are just pain relievers. It requires a higher consistent dosage for the anti-inflammatory effect to kick in.

 

[jsternad]

Things I did this past week: Changed up my shoes every day. Took Advil every morning and every night, brought epsom salts, mainly because I knew that I wanted to drink and my feet would swell even more. Helped so much!

 

[LadyD]

Ibuprofen is massively helpful as an anti inflammatory, but you do have to be taking that regularly for it to really be effective as other posters have said. I have a huge issue with my feet overheating and swelling, and flip flops just do not provide enough stability or comfort for me in the 12-15 miles we tend to walk on park days. I bought these and they were revolutionary. They have a little arch support, they're waterproof, and they're pretty well cushioned for a thin sandal, and they let your feet breathe.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003...sr=8-13&pi=AC_AA280_QL65&keywords=crocs+women

 

[Jim Shuler]

The slow walking and standing at Disney-what some call the museum walk is hard on many of us. I always include what I call a Disney stroll in my conditioning program leading up to Disney. It helps some but I am still exhausted at night.