How to Prevent Foot Pain at Walt Disney World
Sturdy Shoes, Exercises, Easy Treatments, Medicine All Help
Dec 30, 2008
Walt Disney World is tough on feet. The typical tourist walks several miles over the course of a day, only to return the next day to start over all again. There is nothing – short of flying around the parks like Tinkerbell - that completely eases the stress on feet, however Disney visitors can take proactive action to improve foot comfort.
First Step - Get Good Shoes
After a traveler books a trip to Disney World, it's time to make sure that each family member has high quality walking or running shoes and thick socks. Although it's a common sight to see Disney World visitors touring the parks in unstructured footwear such as sandals, veteran Disney World travel writers Bob Sehlinger and Liliane J. Opsomer emphasize that structured footwear is a must. “Do not under any circumstances attempt to tour Walt Disney World in sandals, flip-flops, loafers or any kind of high heel or platform shoes,” they caution in their book, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World With Kids. Those who regularly need shoes with extra cushioning may want to take two pair of tennis shoes, to wear on alternate days:This will allow the cushioning to spring back into shape after being compressed after a day’s wear.
Take Trial Walks
It’s a good idea for travelers to begin to prepare for the extensive walking, much as a marathoner prepares in advance for a long race. Sehlinger and Opsomer advise tourists to get strong enough to tolerate a five to nine mile daily hike – and to be able to walk such long distances for three to five consecutive days.
Repeated stress on feet can lead to plantar fascitis – inflammation of the fascia tissue that run from the heels to the toes. The condition can make walking painful – the last thing anyone needs during a trip to Walt Disney World. Plantar fascitis is hard to treat, and easier to prevent. Good stretching may make a difference. The American Family Physician provides clear, illustrated instructions on how to perform a series of stretches.
When Feet Hurt at Disney
The most conservative treatment for any strained body part is RICE - rest the affected area, use ice (can be from the hotel ice machine, packed in a plastic bag) , then wrap and elevate the affected area. While this is the standard first treatment for overuse injuries, travelers may also consider packing a pain reliever , as it will be considerably more expensive to buy the same product at a hotel gift shop.
Physicians routinely advise patients not to start a new drug while out of town because of the possibility of unpredicted side effects, so it's best to pack a familiar pain reliever. It’s also important to follow dosing information precisely. Taking the medicine with a substantial amount of food may minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
A Prescription Patch May Help Pain
If a traveler is going to Walt Disney World with an existing foot problem, it's worth asking the family physician about prescribing a topical patch impregnated with 5 percent of lidocaine. These patches, which come in non-leak packages, are effective, easy to pack and have no gastrointestinal side effects. To apply, the traveler cuts the pack open, removes the patch and peels off the backing, then applies the sticky patch on the painful area of the foot. The patch, which can be used along with oral pain relievers, provides a gentle numbing effect, without affecting normal walking.
One way to prevent sore feet at Walt Disney World is to not walk around too much – not a good option! The better choice: Take preventive steps to support and strengthen feet - and know what to do if pain strikes while on vacation.
Source: The unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 5th edition, Hoboken, N.J. John Wiley & Sons, 2007.
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