Aching legs and feet... Advice?

[StudentC]

Yes, yes. I know it's been discussed on other threads but I couldn't find helpful advice. I'm in my second semester of an ASN proram and they moved us up to 8 hour shifts in acute care for our clinicals. I bought a good pair of shoes (New Balance) and even went out and got a pair of those Rockers compression hose. I tried the hose out for the first time today and it felt like they did less for me than even my regular hose! I come home from clinicals and have to take something for the pain and then put my feet up for an hour or so before I feel up to doing anything else.

I know working as a nurse on my feet all day is not going to be easy on the lower extremities (or anything else for that matter!) - but I was wondering if anybody had any good advice for me so I can work on this now and not in 2 years when I'm actually on a floor full time.

If anybody knows of any REALLY good support hose or tricks for avoiding some of the pain... I've been looking over other threads for advice on better shoes, but a lot of people seem to recommend the New Balance, so I'm kind of stuck there...

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me!

[stormyocean]

Hopefully, I can help. I'm going to be 50 years old this year, and I've been working 8-16 hr. shifts for almost 21 years. My feet and legs NEVER hurt!

I wear support pantyhose--the kind with graduated support from mid-foot to thigh--every working day. Nursemates has a perfectly adequate pair. Shoes are equally important and I only wear Dansko. I have three pairs, a clog, and two closed-back clogs in different colors. I rotate them, but they're pretty much the same. My first pair of Dansko shoes looked great and felt great working full-time for FOUR YEARS! This was the only pair of work shoes I had @ the time. (I have three pairs now because I wanted an open-back clog and an alternate color. I'll probably retire @ age 75 with the same three pairs!)

Also, I've noticed that standing for long periods of time seems to cause nurses to have painful feet, legs, and low back. When you're out there on your own you'll be in constant motion and may be less likely to get sore in any one place. You'll just be tired all over.

And one more peice of advice--Sit down whenever you can! Sometimes just bending your legs for a minute feels wonderful, and patients think you're spending more time with them if you sit with them to start an IV or take a blood pressure even though we know it probably takes the same amount of time. But if you can make your patient happy and make yourself feel better @ the same time--that's efficiency!

[bakruber]

Hello Everyone,

I have been a nurse for over 20 years and I think finding the right shoes is very important. Shoes should provide good support and fit well. I went to Just for Feet and bought a pair of inserts that have a Kevlar instep and that has always helped with my plantar fasciitis.

If I may, I would also like to recommend finding a massage therapist with experience in sports massage or neuromuscular therapy. I have treated many nurses and athletes with leg pain ranging from shin splints to just tired muscles and joints. Everyone can benefit from a massage and ask your therapist to put extra time on your legs.

Also, look at your posture. Sometimes the problem is your body dynamics when walking or lifting on patients.

Arnie

[cgg702]

Does anyone have recommendations for those of us with very flat feet?

[organichombre, ADN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Student C,

My first question is how old are you and how active are you outside of school and your job? Age has a lot to do with stress on feet, joints, etc. I began nursing at the age of 30 (now 51) and I already had arthritis in my knees so it was necessary that I find both a relief for my symptoms and a preventitive strategy to avoid further damage and allow me to have a sucessful career as a bedside nurse. Since I began nursing I have wore SAS shoes exclusively. They are pricey at 120 bucks but for me they work. The shoe does not wear out on the outside but from within which is easier for the wearer to tell when to get a new pair. My second question is a personal one but is the most influential aspect of stress on your body. How much do you weigh? Are you proportional for height and weight? I am heavy although very active...I just love to eat! Since I am too ornery to lose that extra 20 #'s I suffer for it and buy new shoes every year. My suggestion is to begin a yoga program that will both strenghten your limbs and core, but more importantly as another post stated, increase your flexibility and ability to absorb the punishment of concrete floors. SAS stands for San Antonio Shoes and can be purchased either online through their website or through local retailers. Good luck with both your feet and your nursing career, and we are so happy to have you because we are wearing out!!!

[crb613, BSN, RN]

I have been standing for 20+ years, & if you are new to standing it just takes time to adjust. I did not read all the threads so this may have been said before. Not only will you adjust to standing but you will learn how to stand. Of course nothing is like setting down, but you can rest on your feet. Shoes & socks do make a difference for me Nike does the trick. I have very narrow feet & they fit me better than any other shoe. If I gain a little weight I can certainly tell it....I also think walking (not on the job) helps to condition your legs.Of course if you don't adjust & still have pain.....you might need to check it out with your MD.Good luck