Swollen Feet!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I'm switching to the exciting world of nursing as a career change. Just graduated last month and got an GN Externship at a local hospital working in the ED this summer while studying for the NCLEX - pretty awesome experience so far. I love everything about it, but have been working at a desk the last 8 years. I'm in good shape and everything (compete in marathons and triathlons), but last week I worked two consecutive days, each 12 hour shifts with lots of running around and sure enough, my feet are now swollen! I'm sure the 2 hour walk I took on Saturday didn't help, but I'm wondering if this will go away? Should I see someone? Should I soak my feet in epsom salt or something? I'm a little worried and not sure if there's some secret nursing secret to avoiding swollen feet... ? I also have T1 diabetes, but am very well controlled - just a relatively slow healer.

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Specializes in MR/DD.

You just want to get some compression stockings, you can find them anywhere you purchase nursing uniforms. I really like the knee high ones, they work wonders!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

OK now, as a nurse, what would you advise a patient with swollen feet? What causes dependent edema? Draw on your own knowledge & take your own advice - LOL Seriously, compression stockings, decrease salt intake, elevate your feet whenever it's possible . . . and get used to 'nurse feet'.

I know it's sort of depressing, but comfortable shoes are one way to spot the nurses in any crowd, right?

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

check with the ADA or your own healthcare professional, but I do not believe soaking your feet is recommended for a diabetic patient due to risk of "softened" tissue being more susceptible to punctures/disease.

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Support hose and orthotics are my best friends

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Sounds like you could use some support hose my friend. Elevate feet when possible it does help. Taking a break put those feet up.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
check with the ADA or your own healthcare professional but I do not believe soaking your feet is recommended for a diabetic patient due to risk of "softened" tissue being more susceptible to punctures/disease.[/quote']

Exactly.

You really need to discuss this with your PCP especially since you are a type 1 diabetic. As per the site terms of service agreed to when signing up members can neither ask for nor offer medical advice.

Thread closed.

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