inspired by the "bad shoe/high heals" thread - heal spurs?

[loriandmatt]

I am one of those who wear my trusted running/walking shoes at WDW and take a few pair. If your feet go on the fritz at WDW your trip can be shot.

My lament (and the nature of my question) is that i recently developed heal spurs. (a biproduct of my recent pregnancy) What (short of cortizone shots in my feet or surgery) helps these? My doc gave me some simple stretches to try and re-establish some of the tone in that tendon on the bottom of my foot, but i am wondering if anyone else out there has these and how they manage them.

Especially with all the "foot time" at WDW. I am scared to death that i will become a hobbeling mess on our next trip. I don't want this to ruin what has always been wonderful trips we look so forward to each year.

- lori

 

[LibertyLover]

I have heel spurs too and my orthopod gave me the "moon boot" tendon stretchers (which I simply cannot wear at night) and hard plastic orthotics to wear in my shoes and told me to take an anti-inflamatory. The orthotics made all the difference as far as I am concerned and now I can walk pretty much all day without too much difficulty. Good luck.

 

[2BOYMOM]

I get the cordizone shot a few weeks before I go. I know you said you didn't want that, but it's the only thing that is a sure-fired "fix". Yes, the shot hurts like **** but it is very worth it.

 

[bill'sdj]

I have both in both feet. I have also had cortisone injections in both feet prior to visiting WDW the last several trips. My foot doctor uses a "cold spray" before he injects, and I don't ever feel the injection at all. The injection helps, but doesn't totally eliminate the pain.

I always wear good arch supports, never go barefoot, and since last trip have begun to wear Brooks running shoes, which are very helpful supportwise. Even though they run in excess of $100, I have found them to be very helpful vs. all the other brands of shoes I have tried.

Definitely try to obtain some illlustrations of common foot stretches and do these every day, especially before stepping down onto your foot first thing in the morning after sleeping. Your local physical therapy establishment should be more than willing to just give you a printout of some stretches free of charge.

Some physicians will also prescribe a Medrol Dosepak, which may help some (steroid). Taking anti-inflammatories will also help, but may irritate your stomach.

Good luck getting some relief before your next trip. I hope you are able to enjoy a painfree trip.

Debbie