Tips for all the walking, Pooh sized...

[Minniekins]

Well, I'm getting a little desparate and decided to come to see if anyone has any miracle answers! Yeah, I know it's a little late, and the pounds I'm slowly losing right now won't help much. But I'm looking for some tips to help with all the walking. I tried posting this on another board, and got a couple responses, but still looking for more. We go to wdw next friday!! Yay!! but sometimes I almost am dreading my trip for the walking. Last year every step got to be torture sometimes and I know my DD18 gets annoyed with how slow I am or how often I want to stop to rest my feet/knees. So, I'm looking for tips to help with my feet, ankles, knees. On the other thread, posters suggested ice baths for my knees. Otoh, it sounds okay, but I'm not sure. Plus, cold weather makes my knees ache and get stiff, so it seems that idea may not work too well. I used to try soaking my knees in a hot bath each night, but it only helps for the night and a short time out the door the next day. My ankles swell, and my knees and ankles get very stiff, so hard to keep walking sometimes, or after resting hard to get going, though of course it definitely helps to rest. I wear some thick soled sandals that generally are pretty comfy. Last year I finally went the whole trip with no blisters which was great so got that figured out at least. As for crocs, I bought some of the cute pink mickey crocs at the little stand by Aloha Isle. I wore them a couple hours, but I could tell they were rubbing on my skin, and a bit tight across the foot, so figured blisters would come soon so I haven't worn them since. Plus I have flat feet and don't like shoes with arch cause it makes my feet really hurt. I've read of the tevas and other sandals too, but don't find anything in wide sizes for pooh sized people. And it's not that my shoes are bad, they're generally pretty comfy, but yes my feet sometimes still really hurt plus the ankles and knees are worse, but miracle shoes would be great! Obviously pooh size is the main problem, but my age doesn't help either. And, ecv use is not an option I want to take.

Okay, now that I've complained enough, and rambled on way too much, does anyone, especially pooh sized or know someone who is, have any miracle tips they've used? Thanks to anyone who can help, I'm hopeful some of you may have some great tips!

 

[korg]

I feel your pain ... everybody suffers the agony of THE FEET at WDW! My only suggestion is if you really can't handle it rent one of those electric scooter things. I "ASSUME" they rent those out. And there's always a wheel chair. I know it may be something you'd like to avoid but it WOULD get you off your feet.

Good luck!

 

[The Hendies]

I know there are many people who LOVE their crocs for Disney, but not me! Just like you, I found them to rub alot and didn't give enough support. I have opted for my trusty Reeboks or RedHead sandals (Bass Pro brand). The sandals give a lot of support and can easily be slipped off when I'm sitting to give my feet a break. I am not quite Pooh size, but perhaps 'fluffy'. I am luckily a great walker! As previous poster said, try to swing a scooter, especially at EPCOT. That is one big park! Have a great time!

 

[Buckeye Princess]

I too am really worried about all the walking on my December Disney trip. I will be 8 months pregant (first baby) and don't quite know what to expect or how my body is going to handle it at that time. This past weekend I was getting a little tired and sore after running errands all day Saturday. One suggestion I have for bad knees are these knee straps that my husband and I use all the time. We both have bad knees from too many years abusing them with sports. I know you can get standard size straps at stores like Dick's, but believe expanded sizes are available if needed. We wore them on our Disney trip last year, and they worked wonders. My knees would feel tired at the end of the day, but never painful or sore. You can see them in the picture below. We had lots of people stop us and ask about them...which was fun too as we made lots of friends and discovered that tons of people have bad knees too!!

 

[DEBBYIAC]

Have you every heard of thremacare knee wraps they are are actvated and warm up once in the air and stay hot for about 8 hours. they might help with the swelling. they look sort of like a knee brace. It might help I seem to get in more in my back when I walk alot so im getting the ones for my back but I dont think I will where them at the park just to sleep. hey you never know and if it helps.

 

[micknme94]

This is just a small way to help the aches and pains, but I will take ibuprofen first thing in the morning and then try to keep that going all day . For me, it stops the pain before it even begins! thumbsup2 Good Luck!

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

This is just a small way to help the aches and pains, but I will take ibuprofen first thing in the morning and then try to keep that going all day . For me, it stops the pain before it even begins! thumbsup2 Good Luck!

Or can you take Aleve? It lasts 8 hours, so I usually take one in the morning and evening...BEFORE I'm hurting...it helps.

Put your feet UP when you get back to the hotel....nightly Hot Tub helps, too.

Have a Magical Trip!

 

[koolaidmoms]

Being a "large" woman I have some walking issues at Disney. We plan our days so that we are sitting down (whether a ride or or show, having a snack or enjoying the details of Disney while sitting on a bench - architecture, hidden Mickeys or watching the world run by us) every 20-25 minutes or so.

We also use lots of ibuprofen or Aleve (in the morning before leaving the room and in the evening before bed). Wearing your most supportive comfortable shoes (mole skin works great if you get blisters) and good socks.

Also, let your child know you need to set the pace if you are going to last all day. Running in the beginning of the day just wears me out faster but I have found if I pace myself a nice walk around the world showcase is fine.

Good Luck!!!

 

[Disneyfanatic36]

i know how hard it isand I feel your pain. I am very pooh sized my self. I know you said you didn't want an ECV and I felt the same way. The fact is I was hindering the fun of my daughter and hubby. I was only 28 the first time I had to get one. I now rent one for every trip and I'm 39. I worried so much about what other people would think that it was a very hard decision to finally rent an ECV. I now have such a great time and my family appreciates it so much. I rent offsite from Randy's Mobility and it is 200.00 dollars for a week. They deliver to your hotel onsite or offsite. If staying offsite it will break down and fit in a car. My hubby would much rather break it down and put it together than see the agony I would be in without it. This scooter is for over 300lbs so it is cheaper if you are under 300. I have tried so many differnet shoes, bengay heating pads, pain killers etc. but for me and my family and ECV makes everything so much more magical.

 

[BradyBz12]

A few thoughts...

Definitely go with ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory at regular intervals (if you can take it) - this is a life saver for my back when I'm on my feet a lot. Trick is that you have to take it pre-emptively and regularly. But if you have any health conditions at all, check with your doc first.

Find a good pair of supportive shoes and break them in BEFORE you arrive. I swear by my crocs, but everyone is different.

Knee braces can help a LOT but you need to get the right kind for you. I've had some that actually made my knees hurt worse. Again, try them out before you get there to find the best ones for you.

If you're not worried about fashion (or not planning to wear shorts) support hose can really be life savers for your feet/ankles. They're not attractive, but my nurse friends who are on their feet for 12 hours at a whack swear by them.

When you're back at your resort, get your feet up as high as you can. That will help with swelling. If you can sleep with a pillow under them, even better.

And finally, don't feel bad about sending your DD ahead to something she really wants to rush off to and meeting up with her later. Try and plan your touring to include off-your-feet breaks as much as you can. If you don't push yourself too hard, you won't find yourself miserable and past the point that meds and rest will help.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Minniekins]

I feel your pain ... everybody suffers the agony of THE FEET at WDW! My only suggestion is if you really can't handle it rent one of those electric scooter things. I "ASSUME" they rent those out. And there's always a wheel chair. I know it may be something you'd like to avoid but it WOULD get you off your feet.

Good luck!

i know how hard it isand I feel your pain. I am very pooh sized my self. I know you said you didn't want an ECV and I felt the same way. The fact is I was hindering the fun of my daughter and hubby. I was only 28 the first time I had to get one. I now rent one for every trip and I'm 39. I worried so much about what other people would think that it was a very hard decision to finally rent an ECV. I now have such a great time and my family appreciates it so much. I rent offsite from Randy's Mobility and it is 200.00 dollars for a week. They deliver to your hotel onsite or offsite. If staying offsite it will break down and fit in a car. My hubby would much rather break it down and put it together than see the agony I would be in without it. This scooter is for over 300lbs so it is cheaper if you are under 300. I have tried so many differnet shoes, bengay heating pads, pain killers etc. but for me and my family and ECV makes everything so much more magical.

Thanks for the thoughts guys, but really I just won't do this at this point. Yes, it would be more comfy sometimes, but there are so many others who really need these far more than I do and I just wouldn't feel right getting one. I don't think my DD would like it too much either, which shouldn't matter and of course she wants me to be having fun and comfy, but I think this would probably annoy us both, being inconvenient for us sometimes, and sometimes for others, and I guess I figure I can get by without it and I'd be giving up. But, I suppose if ever it came down to it, at least there is that option!

I know there are many people who LOVE their crocs for Disney, but not me! Just like you, I found them to rub alot and didn't give enough support. I have opted for my trusty Reeboks or RedHead sandals (Bass Pro brand). The sandals give a lot of support and can easily be slipped off when I'm sitting to give my feet a break. I am not quite Pooh size, but perhaps 'fluffy'. I am luckily a great walker! As previous poster said, try to swing a scooter, especially at EPCOT. That is one big park! Have a great time!

Yes, supportive shoes are so important, that really makes a difference in my feet and the sandals I have with the thick sole, thicker under the heel, are good. That's what I look for in shoes, but don't alway see it available for wide widths. I may try some gels or something like that.

I too am really worried about all the walking on my December Disney trip. I will be 8 months pregant (first baby) and don't quite know what to expect or how my body is going to handle it at that time. This past weekend I was getting a little tired and sore after running errands all day Saturday. One suggestion I have for bad knees are these knee straps that my husband and I use all the time. We both have bad knees from too many years abusing them with sports. I know you can get standard size straps at stores like Dick's, but believe expanded sizes are available if needed. We wore them on our Disney trip last year, and they worked wonders. My knees would feel tired at the end of the day, but never painful or sore. You can see them in the picture below. We had lots of people stop us and ask about them...which was fun too as we made lots of friends and discovered that tons of people have bad knees too!!

Hmmm, no pic but I put in the address that showed up in the reply section. They aren't too big, but they work great, huh? Know why they work? Are they expensive?

Have you every heard of thremacare knee wraps they are are actvated and warm up once in the air and stay hot for about 8 hours. they might help with the swelling. they look sort of like a knee brace. It might help I seem to get in more in my back when I walk alot so im getting the ones for my back but I dont think I will where them at the park just to sleep. hey you never know and if it helps.

These knee wraps look interesting, too. Where do you get them, like the foot care aisle at the drugstore? Can you wear them under jeans, and are they reusable or done after one use?

Has anyone heard of the suggestion I mentioned about icing the knees, does that make any sense? A couple people mentioned it, but like I said usually cold makes my knees stiffen up more.

Maybe the straps or knee wraps will be a good idea.
Thanks for your suggestions and help!

 

[Minniekins]

This is just a small way to help the aches and pains, but I will take ibuprofen first thing in the morning and then try to keep that going all day . For me, it stops the pain before it even begins! thumbsup2 Good Luck!

Or can you take Aleve? It lasts 8 hours, so I usually take one in the morning and evening...BEFORE I'm hurting...it helps.

Put your feet UP when you get back to the hotel....nightly Hot Tub helps, too.

Have a Magical Trip!

Being a "large" woman I have some walking issues at Disney. We plan our days so that we are sitting down (whether a ride or or show, having a snack or enjoying the details of Disney while sitting on a bench - architecture, hidden Mickeys or watching the world run by us) every 20-25 minutes or so.

We also use lots of ibuprofen or Aleve (in the morning before leaving the room and in the evening before bed). Wearing your most supportive comfortable shoes (mole skin works great if you get blisters) and good socks.

Also, let your child know you need to set the pace if you are going to last all day. Running in the beginning of the day just wears me out faster but I have found if I pace myself a nice walk around the world showcase is fine.

Good Luck!!!

A few thoughts...

Definitely go with ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory at regular intervals (if you can take it) - this is a life saver for my back when I'm on my feet a lot. Trick is that you have to take it pre-emptively and regularly. But if you have any health conditions at all, check with your doc first.

Find a good pair of supportive shoes and break them in BEFORE you arrive. I swear by my crocs, but everyone is different.

Knee braces can help a LOT but you need to get the right kind for you. I've had some that actually made my knees hurt worse. Again, try them out before you get there to find the best ones for you.

If you're not worried about fashion (or not planning to wear shorts) support hose can really be life savers for your feet/ankles. They're not attractive, but my nurse friends who are on their feet for 12 hours at a whack swear by them.

When you're back at your resort, get your feet up as high as you can. That will help with swelling. If you can sleep with a pillow under them, even better.

And finally, don't feel bad about sending your DD ahead to something she really wants to rush off to and meeting up with her later. Try and plan your touring to include off-your-feet breaks as much as you can. If you don't push yourself too hard, you won't find yourself miserable and past the point that meds and rest will help.

Good luck and have a great trip!

Well, I did take advil last year, who knows how much it helped or what I would have felt if I didn't take it, though it didn't seem like it helped much. I took 3 when we left the room and another 3 later in the day, but didn't really notice any difference. I will still do it this year though, just in case, can't hurt anyway. But I will need to bring a bigger bottle this time, I ran out last time, not bringing enough as I didn't plan to take so often. What would be the difference with that and aleve? I've taken it before, though it's been a while. Does it work better, and can I take two and it will work better?

We do stop often to take rests, a bench, planter, rides, parades, meals, probably more than DD would like, but what I need, but much more breaks and we wouldn't get to do too much done. But, I do sit any chance I get, and lean whenever I can waiting in lines. Can't say we go commando at all. We go out early afternoon and stay late at MK whenever we can, but epcot and dhs we leave at park close, but not emh. One of the worst parts of walking is the long walks into parks and out to the busses, and of course epcot isn't great at all but DD likes it there. But, I do have to push myself.

I will check into wraps and straps for knees, but what about those support hose? Where do you get them, are they like socks or like pantyhose? Do they have footless ones you could wear with sandals?

And, I do keep my feet up in the room at all, okay most, times. As soon as I can get ready for the bed, even if not to sleep right away, I am there! Gah, I hate this! DD18, of course, never has a tired foot or blister and wears unsupportive simple rubber flipflops. Of course, she's not pooh sized either!

Thanks to all for the helpful ideas and good wishes. Still waiting for that miracle though! I must admit I pray the whole day for strength to keep going at my favorite place!

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Well, I did take advil last year, who knows how much it helped or what I would have felt if I didn't take it, though it didn't seem like it helped much. I took 3 when we left the room and another 3 later in the day, but didn't really notice any difference. I will still do it this year though, just in case, can't hurt anyway. But I will need to bring a bigger bottle this time, I ran out last time, not bringing enough as I didn't plan to take so often. What would be the difference with that and aleve? I've taken it before, though it's been a while. Does it work better, and can I take two and it will work better?

The advantage to taking Aleve (making sure that you have no problems taking NSAIDS ---ulcer, bleeding disorder, allergy, sometimes hypertension) is that it lasts 8 to 12 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil) is a 4 hour deal. I just find it more convenient to take the Aleve morning and evening and forget about it.
(I am a Pharmacist in real life....the other Poster seems to be Medical as well.) Double-check with your Doc this week that you are allowed to take it, do not take more than recommended on the bottle---3 tabs in a 24 hour period, and take it with food.

Get your rest when you need it, it will be a much more fun trip for BOTH of ya'll if you do!!!! (No fun if you crash and burn!)

Have a blast! We're right behind you!

 

[BradyBz12]

Well, I did take advil last year, who knows how much it helped or what I would have felt if I didn't take it, though it didn't seem like it helped much.

I never think it's doing much either until I stop taking it and notice the difference.

It mostly helps me with the swelling. You might even want to talk to your doc about that before you leave. There are other prescription drugs out there that may work better for you.

what about those support hose? Where do you get them, are they like socks or like pantyhose? Do they have footless ones you could wear with sandals?

They have all different kinds, not sure about footless. I'd bet Walmart carries some, but try any of the places that sell nursing uniforms/scrubs or any medical supply type store.

Lots show up online if you search "support hose" too...
http://www.foryourlegs.com/

Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[girli565]

Icing the knees brings down the swelling so yes, it does make sense. Cold weather aches are different than the ice stiffness you would get. maybe try icing for 20 min than off for 20. The intervals should give you enough time off of ice to not get achy.

 

[BradyBz12]

Icing the knees brings down the swelling so yes, it does make sense. Cold weather aches are different than the ice stiffness you would get. maybe try icing for 20 min than off for 20. The intervals should give you enough time off of ice to not get achy.

This is what was recommended for my back as well. It's not super comfortable, but it does help the swelling.

 

[girli565]

I had neck surgery in July and the icing was a Godsend!! I recover very slowly but this helped wonders! I was functioning by Friday when I had Surgery Wednesday morning.

If you talk to your doc he could order this machine you fill with water and ice and then you attach a hose that goes to this brace type thing that fills with the cold water and it circulates it so it's always cold. The pain management doc I see for my neck sent me one for my knee that was acting up. It's amazing!!! And it had a switch that could make the water hot if you needed warm compresses. I use this one http://www.vitalwear.com/vitalwrap_system_product_info.cfm

 

[sayhello]

Icing, Aleve, or anything you can do to keep the swelling down will help. Inflamation (swelling) is a lot of what's causing the stiffness & discomfort.

That said, having, myself, a *LOT* of back & hip issues, I cannot stress hard enough the value of having a good pair of SUPPORTIVE shoes. Comfortable is not enough. You need shoes that are comfortable AND supportive. I buy walking shoes from New Balance, and I will also take the insoles out, and replace them with Spenco insoles. The added arch support and heel support does WONDERS for preventing pain. New Balances come in Extra Wide, and have a lot of room, especially in the toe box, for your feet to not be cramped. I have NEVER had blisters, and while my back & feet will get tired & sore, it does not take much down time for me to be able to recover.

Just my opinion, but that's what you asked for!

Sayhello

 

[Coloradomom]

I had an ankle injury and after that my foot widened so one is wider than another. I almost exclusively wear ECCO receptors... the instep strap is adjustable and they have great support. There is also a strap at the heel so you can basically customize them to your foot. They also come in a sandal version.
They were called receptors last year, they may have changed the name, but they are different than the regular ECCOs, so look for them. I swear by them and wore them on 3 trips since my injury. They are not cheap but are worth every penny. And they are kind of cute too!

 

[Chedstro]

I wear shoes from a company named Pedors. They are bunion shoes; but come in exta wide sizes.

I am also developing arthritis that effects most of my joints and take Aleve (two) in the morning and have started drinking Elations. Something seems to be working.

I am trying to get off the wheelchair thing. My husband is very supportive about pushing me around when we have to do a long Park trip ( all around Epcot, or Animal Kingdom) But I refuse to be confined that way if I don't have to be - he pushes me really fast past the gift shops and pin stations

Also recommend the Thermacare knee wraps. They feel wonderful and really help.

Best of luck to you!