Save my Feet!

Nursing Students General Students

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I need help to relieve pain in my feet, ankles, and calves following clincals. I'm in CNA school right now and it's only 6.5 hours on my feet. It's 11hours in the fall RN program.

I have inserts in my shoes to help with arch support, and I have comfortable shoes with a good heel cushion. What else can I do? Please help me save my feet (and my sleep! - Throb::Throb:: )

sandanrn

Specializes in Peds NP 2 years.

I would just say that you might need to build up your strength. Sounds to me like your upper body is putting a lot of pressure on your lower body which is probably causing the problems. Also, it might be good to check your posture because also pain can be coming from the lower back or lumbar. I had the same problems when I used to work the 12's and it all had to do with posture and how I used to walk.

You could try wearing compression hose. I have not used them myself but I plan on trying them since I have heard they work well.

Dansko shoes are the best thing you can buy for being on your feet for long periods of time. I am a former flight attendant and they work great--not the most beautiful though! Make sure if you do get them that they are not touching your heel, they should be a little big. Average price is 120.00 but you will not need another pair for at least 5 years. I would find a place that sells them and go in person for your first fitting.

Specializes in Emergency.

I'm with 3xmom. Shoes are your best bet. You say yours are comfortable, but what type are they? Do they fully provide support for the entire time? A good walking shoe properly fitted ( 1/2 size larger than your normal shoe) in conjunction with inserts keeps the fat pad under your calcaneous and support in the right areas like the arch. Like 3x said, the shoes are expensive, but well worth the cost.

Some might suggest running shoes, but they do not fully support the sides of your feet during twisting and pivoting. They are only made for high impact on the calcaneous and breathe ability. The walking shoe supports from all directions.

Specializes in Med-Surg.

i had the same problem!! I am currently working as an "employed student nurse" (3rd year RN program), and my feet felt like they were going to fall off after a 12 hour shift to the point of where it literally hurt to walk.

My parents bought me a pair of sketchers easy tone. They arent those big chunky ones, but the ones where there is like a ball/bouncy thing under your toe and heel part of the sole of the shoe. I did a 12 hour the other day, no pain. at all.

check it out!

2 words.

Compression Socks.

Ah-mazing difference!! (I even sleep in mine sometimes after a hard run-helps me heal faster)

Specializes in Dialysis.

I put the call out when I started my CNA job a month ago. A friend of mine suggested Thorlo socks. They are extremely cushioned and designed for long workdays. I don't need the gels anymore with them. I still get sore feet, but just the muscles and not the heel pad... I'm still getting used to the job.

Thanks for all of the replies. I think I will look into the socks and otherwise just get used to standing up all day. I've been in school for several years now so I'm not used to it.

Good luck to all the others out there new to the scene with sore feet like mine! :)

sandanrn

Definitely go with Dansko. I'm a bartender who spends 10+ hours on her feet 5 days a week (make that 14+ when I work a double shift), and those have saved me. New Balance is another excellent brand, especially if you have wider feet. Don't ever wear flip flops, and give your feet lots of love when you're at home! Exercise in sneakers when appropriate (I've been known to not follow this and exercise barefoot, which is horrible :-(). And put those pups up after a shift!!

what about those z coils??

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