Touring parks with RA and mild Plantar's Fasciitis. Any tips?

[bratmomma]

Hi there!

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my rheumy just confirmed mild Plantar's Fasciitis. We are on a really tight budget and cannot really afford to rent an ECV. (in fact, my MIL is taking us on the trip or we wouldn't be going in the first place)

The rheumy told me to get a OTC heel support and good walking shoes. I have also read up on the stretching exercises for the fasciitis. The RA is pretty much under control, except after pushing the stroller for a few hours my hands my tense up, but I plan on switching off with one of the two other adults in the party from time to time.

Has anyone does the parks with these conditions? Do you have any pointers or tips?? I know if it REALLY comes down to it and I can't walk, I will HAVE TO rent the ECV, but I am trying to avoid it at almost all costs and make it an absolutely LAST resort.

Any ideas on keeping my joints and feet healthy enough to do the parks with my family?

 

[bidnow5]

Well all I can say is look into off site ECV rentals. I could no longer afford to rent them when they raised the price to $45 so I looked locally and found an old one for under $200 I use it all the time locally and take it to Disney. I would ruin the trip for my whole family if I tried to walk even part of the time

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

Basic question is how are you at walking 8-12 miles per day for several days?

Basically a person has a certain amount of energy available to them daily. If they relax during the day the amount of energy available will increase; when they sleep at night they recharge their system,

However, when in pain energy is used up much faster than in normal conditions. If you become exhausted, with by what you have done or, more importantly, what you have done while in pain your system will not recharge to the original energy level overnight and you are starting the next day with a lower amount of energy available.

Once around the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is more than 1¼ miles; most people tend to average 8 - 12 miles per day at WDW.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #2 there discusses mobility and stamina issues.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[bratmomma]

Thank you both for your responses!

I know it will be a challenge. I can and have walked 5-6 miles at once. I am aware that I may not be able to make it the whole day and may have to retire earlier than some of the younger, more mobile members of my party. We ARE planning a trip to the hotel for a nap/swim/break from the heat at least once each day.

On a previous visit to WDW I was in "crazy person, see it all", mode. I have accepted the fact that I will NOT see and do it all this trip. I have outlined a small handful of things I feel are really important to experience with my DD3, as this is her first trip. As long as I can do the 3-4 attractions at each park that I feel are REALLY important, I will be okay with that. Anything else is like icing on the cake!

Now my DS's and DH on the other hand are like energizer bunnies and are all perfectly suited for each other. If the need arises my DD and I will go back to the resort for some rest, maybe a snack or a swim and recharge a bit for the next day.

I will be sure to check out the resources you provided!! Thanks again!!

 

[sharadoc]

Hi. I have RA and was most recently at WDW in January. I learned a few things:

1. Make sure you take your pain medications on a regular schedule. I made sure I always had some with me so I wouldn't miss a dose.
2. Don't try to wait in long lines - give up that ride and rest instead. Standing is the hardest part for me.
3. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are manageable walking. There are plenty of places to sit and rest. Epcot and Animal Kingdom are MUCh harder to navigate and I would recommend an ecv in those parks only. Even walking from one bench to another became difficult for me after a while in those parks.
4. Sitting and people-watching is great to do at WDW. When my DH took my kids on different rides, I was perfectly content to sit on a chair or bench and relax. It really helped me recharge without making everyone wait for me.

I am going to get Simvisc injections soon and we're hoping they will improve my knees, plus I'm doing great right now on Celebrex, so I'm hopeful that our August trip will be less painful. But if I have to, I will rent an ECV at both Epcot and AK.

Good luck with your trip!

 

[malkut18]

Hi, I had sprained my ankle on top of the plantar heel problem that cropped up approximately one week before I was set to go to WDW. My usual schedule at WDW is to park hop several parks in one day, so my goal was to still do all the walking I usually do with a painful ankle and foot. I used a good heel cushion (they make them specifically for plantar problems) and an ankle brace. I took several good pairs of walking shoes. Started out early in the a.m. and then came back to the hotel mid-day (stayed at Pop Century--it was great!) stayed off my feet for a few hours and then back to the parks in the evening. I usually changed shoes and that seemed to help. While waiting for rides, I leaned on walls, rails, etc., as much as possible to take weight off foot and made myself sit and take breaks during the day (something I usually don't do unless eating). I actually meet some very nice people while sitting on benches & taking a break. Good luck and just take it slow (something I'm not used to doing)!

 

[bratmomma]

Thank you all for your great responses!

I know if I don't set my expectations way too high, I will be happy with the trip! I am going to take my time and enjoy our stay rather then running like a crazy woman from one end of the park to the other!

Thanks again!