Plantar fasciitis / Heal Spur's - Disney in 67 days

[Billmel]

Diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and heal spurs, (one on each heal) have been to Physical Therapy twice a week, since Feb. 3rd, Doctor has mentioned the Cortizone shots in my heals for the pain, but I hear horror stories about that. PT is helping my left foot, no change in the pain in my right.

Does anyone have any insite through experience or have any pointers. Starting to worry about the trip. We are taking my 8 year old DGD this time and i really don't want to be limping and in pain. I am following all of the exercises and doing everything the doctors say so hopefully it will continue to improve.

I think today I am just looking for a bright spot, starting to get discouraged, i know it has only been 3 weeks...I know patience is a virtue right

 

[CatNipRules]

I had a similar situation to you. Although mine was arthritis in my ankles. I also have PKD(polycystic kidney disease.) It got down to three weeks before we left and walking was terrible. I was almost ready to cancel the trip. However, there are some alternatives to that. As I soon discovered.

1. Definitely rent an ECV. I was too proud to rent one and was exhausted after the first day. I was sure that I would have to stay in the hotel for the rest of the trip. DH called Walker Mobility and they delivered an ECV right to our hotel room. It was a God send. The rest of the week was a breeze.

Check out this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

Sue gives some excellent advice about doing Disney with and ECV or wheelchair. The offsite companies are cheaper than the ones at Disney. Especially if you rent them for a week or more. Plus, you are ensured one even if Disney runs out of theirs.

I'm sure that others will have more suggestions, but please don't be ashamed to use an ECV. It will save you a lot of pain and suffering. It will also allow you to enjoy your time with your DGD.

The worst part for me was thinking that people were staring. It couldn't be farther from the truth. Most people that go to Disney are worrying about the next ride or their dining reservations.

Enjoy your trip. Hopefully it will be free of pain and you can enjoy the time with your family.

 

[gilesmt]

I have PF I think that is what it is called, my bones in the middle of the feet just have not grown right and as I got older they hurt more, also cause a lot of heel pain, also I broke my ankle in 3 places 8 years ago causing lots of problems with swollen ankles. All in all a lot of pain. Everyone suggested crocs but I was not going to wear those rubber shoes. I had $800 inserts made just for my feet, did not help at all. Was down to rent a ECV but I am legally blind and a blind person in a EVC was like giving me a license to see Disney the fast way, since everyone would be run over for me to get there first, haha. So I broke down and bought crocs, 6 years ago, and about 50 pairs later it is all I wear now and forever. No more pain, no more swollen ankles (although I have to say that my miracle form mattered has a lot to do with that also), and no more heel pain, no more cramps in my legs, no more having to stop and rest, nothing, just joy of walking even in Disney. They do have tobe the regular crocs, ugly as can be, no sandals, no cute ones, but it worked great for me anyway and I won't ever wear anything else because the minute I do, I feel the difference immediately, the pain and swelling come right back. Even if I buy a brand new pair just for Disney they do not hurt at all and are perfect from the moment I put my feet in them. Good luck.

 

[Bete]

and she gets the cortizone shots and it does give her relief. The bad news is that the relief doesn't last. She has recently done experimental surgery on it, but she still does the cortizone.

You have nothing to lose to try the croc idea. Infact, I'm going to suggest it to my cousin.

The ECV will probably help out the most; you can take it through ride queues.
You can rent offsite at sifgnificant savings. If you can walk some and want to do it then you can park the scooter for a while and then get back to it.

 

[bidnow5]

I have the exact same problem and for me Crocs have changed my life. I used to wear Birkenstock's and they helped but after wearing crocs at the water parks I noticed both of my feet didn't hurt as much and after a few days almost no pain. There are a few of us here that crocs work for and others that it didn't help at all. It's worth a try

 

[bookgirl]

I have achilles tendonitis and it causes some PF problems. The best thing I did was

1. I took extra shoes. I never wore the same shoes two days in a row. And if I was in the room my shoes were off and my feet were up. Two pairs of good walking sneakers and one pair of croc cushioned flip flops. Sneakers in the parks and flip flops around the resort and pool. It takes your shoes about 24 hours to spring back after being compressed by your feet. By letting them bounce back I started out each day with good cushioning.

2. I was agressive with my meds. I usually don't take either one everyday at home. When I woke up in the morning I took pain relief and anti inflamatories as soon as I ate. It wasn't like I thought well if I start to hurt I'll take one, I went with I KNOW it's going to hurt so I'll just take them now. By never allowing the pain to get excessive it kept the days managable.

What's funny is that with all the walking I actually felt really good after the trip. Like I had streached out all the ligs and tendons and muscles. They tightned again but for about 2 weeks after I had really limber feet.

ps I had RadioFrequency Ablation done and it did a lot to help me. I still have some trouble but not near the trouble I had before. It's a low invasive proceedure and recovery was way shorter than if I had had the tendons cut and then had to rehab.

 

[M5ward]

I have PF in both feet. I was diagnosed years ago. I wear orthotics in my shoes and have been pain free since I got them. Has your doctor mentioned this to you...or have you already tried them? What about shock wave therapy? I hear they're getting positive results with that.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have PF in my left foot, and have for the last 3+ years now. The pain comes and goes. I have gone to the doctors and mine aren't bad to the point of surgery. I find waring crocs helps a lot and I also use Powerstep ProTech inserts. I use the inserts with what ever shoes I am wearing.