Plantar Fasciitis and walking around Disney ...

[NHDisneyMom]

Thanks so much for so many great suggestions!!! I actually invested in a pair of Merrell sandals. Found them at Marshalls for less than I could find them online. They are cute and have a toe ring instead of just a thong between my toes. Can't usually wear things between my toes, but I like the toe ring style. I have been wearing them for a week or so and my foot has not been bothering me. When I take them off and walk barefoot - it kills again. There seems to be good arch support - I have a high arch.

I really injured my ankle a few years ago and I think I did some damage to my Achilles. I have two young kids and should have taken better care of it but needed to be back on my feet and going. A few years later and I have PF. I think it stems from that injury. I have high arches and really need support but sometimes have a hard time finding shoes that support my arch correctly. If the support is in the wrong place, I'm in so much pain. Crocs are not cutting it for me this year. My Keen sandals hit me in the wrong place and I can't wear them very long. Last summer Croc sandals were all I could wear, but this summer, they are killing me. So far the Merrell's are the only ones that are comfortable and - bonus - I like the way they look.

I do think for the parks I need to change it up. I have found my Addidas sneakers to be pretty good but can bother me after a while. I think between my Merrell's and my sneakers and a bag of ice for the end of the day ... well, I'm hoping I will be fine.

Thanks for all your replies!! I hope others benefit from all the great suggestions. I think foot pain is the worst! I hate when my feet hurt!

 

[emma'smom]

I have PF and find that my Merrell Mary Janes get me through everything with very little pain! I also have Fit Flops which are great for shorter treks (to the pool, etc). As for Crocs, the cushioning is great once I'm already in pain---but don't find them to prevent pain in the first place (ie. after a day in Crocs, I do have trouble walking the next morning).

With the Merrell's...it's as if I don't have PF at all. No pain while walking and no pain the next morning.

Note-- I recently bought a pair of Keen sandals (not H20''s) but good leather sandals. They've done a nice job too....

 

[mrsltg]

While not sandals, my doctor recommended Shape Ups to me. They have been a God send! I wear them almost all of the time (I wear flip flops for the pool but have them off as soon as I get home.) The support in the Shape Ups has been amazing and they have been helping the rear view, as well! Good luck!

 

[MEM]

I have PF and find that my Merrell Mary Janes get me through everything with very little pain! With the Merrell's...it's as if I don't have PF at all. No pain while walking and no pain the next morning.QUOTE]

I took your advice and bought the Merrell Encore Mary Janes in black. So far, so good! I plan to give them a good work-out this weekend yard-saling and grocery shopping. If they pass the test, I plan to buy a few more in other colors - at $75 a pair they ain't cheap, but I have spent 10 times that amount seeking relief from my PF.

 

[Syrreal]

has anyone tried the new spenco flip flops? They look cute and are supposed to be good for PF

 

[emma'smom]

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'm taking mine camping tomorrow-- and it's camping with my dd on an organized trip--so a lot of hiking/walking. I'm more confident that I'll make it in the Merrell's than any other shoe I own! Good luck and hope it works out for you too!

I have PF and find that my Merrell Mary Janes get me through everything with very little pain! With the Merrell's...it's as if I don't have PF at all. No pain while walking and no pain the next morning.QUOTE]

I took your advice and bought the Merrell Encore Mary Janes in black. So far, so good! I plan to give them a good work-out this weekend yard-saling and grocery shopping. If they pass the test, I plan to buy a few more in other colors - at $75 a pair they ain't cheap, but I have spent 10 times that amount seeking relief from my PF.

 

[RMulieri]

While not sandals, my doctor recommended Shape Ups to me. They have been a God send! I wear them almost all of the time (I wear flip flops for the pool but have them off as soon as I get home.) The support in the Shape Ups has been amazing and they have been helping the rear view, as well! Good luck!

Now see...The shape ups are what caused my PF in the first place..weird

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I didn't read all the replies, so I apologize if this has been mentioned. I just got a pair of the Crocs Relief Rx. My feet heven't felt this good in a year. I'll let you know how I do touring WDW ( we leave in a few hours). The Crocs have great support. They are a little shorter than my Crocs Beach, but that's because they come in whole sizes. I find them much more comfortable than my Tevos.

 

[mommyceratops]

My mom has that and had awful times with it, spent $$$ on shoes. I talked her into buying crocs and she has been pain free for 3 years now! She wont wear anything but crocs.

 

[MEM]

My mom has that and had awful times with it, spent $$$ on shoes. I talked her into buying crocs and she has been pain free for 3 years now! She wont wear anything but crocs.

I wore Crocs for years without a problem - all styles - but after I developed PF last year I could no longer wear them for anything other than taking out the garbage, putting the dog in the yard and other short distance activities. I can tell you that I was one very depressed Crocs-lover.

 

[RMAMom]

I haven't read all of the replies but I would like to add that more than shoes my PF is better when I exercise. Walking or jogging. It's when I stop exercising for a few months that I have flair ups with my PF.

Also I can't wear flip flop type sandals any longer, it's really painful by the end of the day. I can wear sandals that my foot slides) into without problems. (nothing between the toes)

The Merrells look cute though. I may have to order those!

 

[Syrreal]

I haven't read all of the replies but I would like to add that more than shoes my PF is better when I exercise. Walking or jogging. It's when I stop exercising for a few months that I have flair ups with my PF.

It depends on what I do. When I do a lot of formal dancing (ballet/jazz/modern), I have to make sure to extra stretch my foot because that is when my foot feels like I've got a knife through it.

 

[Overexcited]

I'm looking for recommendations for sandals or light shoes that you would wear touring the parks all day. I have plantar fasciitis and I tend to have an issue with sandals. We are heading down in Aug. and I'm trying to find something I can test drive at home first. Most of the shoes they recommend are so institutional looking. I just can't bear it. I'm looking for cute, stylish and comfortable. I think I may be asking for too much *sigh*

Anyone suffer from plantar fasciitis and have a great and stylish sandal recommendation to share?

Really need a supportive running sneaker (walking sneaks do not have the same support quality) You can ask the MD for a cortisone shot a week before you go. Most important is to stretch stretch stretch!!! Let your heel drop off a step and hold it 3-5 mins on each side. Use a belt and pull your toes towards your nose before you first get out of bed each morning. Hold that for 3-5 min each side. Plenty of Advil if you can take it.
Hope your trip goes well