Best advice for keeping legs/feet/back from aching?

[PrincessJadesMom]

I absolutely love the Disney parks, but my feet/leg/back get very sore very quickly. We have a WDW trip coming up in October and I could use any advice you have for not being in pain while walking through the parks. We went to the Detroit Zoo this past weekend and I was reminded of how quickly my body starts aching.

[Strmchsr]

Have you thought of using an ECV part time? We got one to help my mom out as she isn't able to walk all day. So she rides it going in between places. When we're ready to ride something she just parks it and goes through the line. It has helped her a lot to be able to manage multiple days of walking. The only other options are get good inserts, like gel, for your shoes and take lots of breaks.

[Itchy]

I absolutely love the Disney parks, but my feet/leg/back get very sore very quickly. We have a WDW trip coming up in October and I could use any advice you have for not being in pain while walking through the parks. We went to the Detroit Zoo this past weekend and I was reminded of how quickly my body starts aching.

I have had the same issues in the past and I started to walk a little every evening to get myself in condition. Going to WDW is like a walking marathon.

I have back issues so I will take an asprin or similar before and during the day and it helps a lot as well.

Hope this helps...

[BuddyL4]

Good shoes/sneakers is were I would start. And break them in before the trip

[CU Tiger]

I found changing to a high quality running shoe really helped my back. Rest before you get tired and stay hydrated. Drinking more water seems to help as well.

[caryrae]

Has anybody tried those Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotics they have at Walmart where you stand on their machine then it gives you a number of the Orthotic you should use and there suppose to relieve feet, leg, and back pain. They are a little pricey, like $50 but if they work it may be worth it.

[PopPhan]

I don't know what your monetary situation is, but I would sincerely recommend professionally fit custom orthotics. Dr. Scholl's might work for you, but to have your feet measured and fit perfectly makes a world of difference.

I have acute "dual curve" scoliosis and have one leg shorter than the other (actually, the curvature has one hip almost 3/4" below the other)....I had lower back pain and numbness in my left leg for years. Combine chiropractic care and professionally fitted orthotics, and I am now mostly pain free. I can walk all day at WDW and feel no ill effects. Heck, I even play golf every Wednesday evening and walk the course!!! (Three ibuprophen before bed and I am good to go the next morning! LOL)

[dnickels]

If it's an orthopedic issue like weird arches or something along those lines then getting custom fit orthotics would be a good way to go.

If it's general out-of-shape/overweight issues causing the pain then the only thing to do is to lose weight to take some of the load off those joints and make walking a regular activity so you're not trying to go from nothing to walking 7+ miles a day while on vacation.

For an otherwise healthy and active person, a day at the parks might result in a little soreness but shouldn't be anything major so if it's real bad you should find the cause and see what can be done to treat it.

[Kenny1113]

Good shoes/sneakers is were I would start. And break them in before the trip

I have had the same issues in the past and I started to walk a little every evening to get myself in condition. Going to WDW is like a walking marathon.

I have back issues so I will take an asprin or similar before and during the day and it helps a lot as well.

Hope this helps...

[kakn7294]

In addition to the good shoes and orthotics, consider talking to your doctor about taking a glucosamine - condroiton combination. They are available over-the-counter but if you take any other medications on a regular basis, it's always best to be sure that they won't interfere with each other. I've been taking it for quite some time now and when I skip a few days (as I'm known to do) I really feel it!

[BrerGnat]

Walking often is the best way to alleviate this. I would recommend (before jumping to conclusions about needing orthotics), starting a walking program daily to build up your endurance and walking muscles. If you are not used to walking daily, you will get achy early. Practice good posture and walk a little more each day up to your trip.

[TinkerbellT421]

Among what others have said I will also add, do NOT ride Space Mountain. Holy molly the number that thing does on my back...

[Mickey'sGirl]

Among what others have said I will also add, do NOT ride Space Mountain. Holy molly the number that thing does on my back...

Or THunder Mountain!

[Mrs Bus Driver]

Just want to add take a break. Find some place at the parks or your resort sit down, put your feet up. Know your limits and don't push it. Taking walks and getting shoes is a good idea. Even seeing the doctor to make sure you don't have any issues you need to deal with. No one likes to be in pain and it will only take away from your fun. So take care of yourself and relax when your at Disney. Take time to stop and smell the roses.

[#1donaldfan]

Start walking now to build some stamina and endurance. No matter how much you spend on shoes, EVC's, or any item of support, the best way to avoid pain in your body is to make sure it is first fit, then add on the shoes and possible suppliments......!!

[EJS-Houston]

If it's an orthopedic issue like weird arches or something along those lines then getting custom fit orthotics would be a good way to go.

If it's general out-of-shape/overweight issues causing the pain then the only thing to do is to lose weight to take some of the load off those joints and make walking a regular activity so you're not trying to go from nothing to walking 7+ miles a day while on vacation.

For an otherwise healthy and active person, a day at the parks might result in a little soreness but shouldn't be anything major so if it's real bad you should find the cause and see what can be done to treat it.

I think this is the best advice of all. The truth is, when it comes to anything substantial, the quick fix just won't cut it. It takes time, commitment and often work to make substantial change. In this case, if you don't have an exercise regimen, I highly recommend finding a trainer to work with you on your mobility/physical health...and most importantly, make sure you find a trainer who's also a licensed physical therapist. I did this two years ago and it's turned my life around quite literally (I'm 53, by the way). I fully expect to see my trainer/therapist weekly for the rest of my life because it allows me to be as physically active as I want/need to be...and because on those occasions when something hurts, my trainer can ditch the workout and spend the hour treating whatever's ailing me, then sending me away with stretching exercizes and icing instructions to further deal with the problem. Since I've started working with him, my Disney vacations are completely pain- and fatigue-free.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

Good quality shoes, inserts, and ibuprofen have helped me tremendously. I also have a back condition and the doctor prescribes me muscle relaxers. I find if I take one before bedtime and again in the morning it helps a lot. Also, like others have said rent a scooter. I think it costed us around $100 to rent one for the week last trip and my mom loved it. Apple is a good company to use if you are interested.

[WDWgoofy]

I in my late 50s and have all the aches and pains.

My advice is stay at home on the couch or go to WDW and take pain killers

[texas211]

Has anybody tried those Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotics they have at Walmart where you stand on their machine then it gives you a number of the Orthotic you should use and there suppose to relieve feet, leg, and back pain. They are a little pricey, like $50 but if they work it may be worth it.

I have and they are great. I even got my father turned onto them. They are a must for a wdw trip. So are brand new soft socks. I also try and buy new shoes two months before the trip.

[dixielandings]

SHOES SHOES SHOES! Don't skimp on these.

Stretch your body frequently.

Prepare ahead of time - like PPs have said, one can't go from sedentary to walking all day long without some consequence. Start walking now, even a little bit, and work up.

Hydrate! Water and fruit help replace stuff that your body loses that can cause cramps.

Pace yourself well. Sit a lot. Save larger inside attractions for the warmer part of the day - Universe of Energy, Hall of Presidents, etc.

And yes, it can't be overstated - if there's spare weight to lose, that will go light years toward making this trip more enjoyable!