Aches and Pains from working

AirforceRN, RN · Mar 31, 2009

All of the above.

There are two types of nurses...those with bad backs and those that are going to get a bad back. It sucks but there you go, we are a profession of heavy lifters and movers. Stretching and yoga helps, as do supportive shoes.

Nothing though...and I mean NOTHING can replace proper body mechanics. Learn it and love it. It will make your life so much happier.

yousoldtheworld · Mar 31, 2009

I always get sore, stiff legs and often get a sore back.

For my legs and feet, a hot shower right after work helps me. Beyond that, there isn't much I've found that helps...I have noticed that wearing support hose/support socks can help reduce the leg and foot fatigue just a little, as does switching up my shoes.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Mar 31, 2009

I might go out an get another pair of shoes today, so I can rotate.

I've thought about support hose too, but I can't imagine wearing them to work without getting heat stroke!

yousoldtheworld · Mar 31, 2009

Yeah, I know what you mean.

I usually wear the knee high kind, and I keep them on the sheer side.

It's not too bad.

yousoldtheworld · Mar 31, 2009

Oh, and try lots of different kinds of shoes.

Some people swear by extremely supportive shoes like Danskos and Nursemates.

Those types of shoes kill my feet and legs though - I always end up limping by the middle of my shift.

Tennis shoes/sneakers were a little better, but no matter what brand I wore, they not only rubbed my heels but made my feet sweat like crazy.

Once I tried the softer clog type shoes (Crocs, etc) I noticed a huge decrease in foot fatigue. My favorite ones are Anywears, and I switch between a pair of Anywears ballet flat-type clogs, a pair of Crocs Specialists, a pair of Crocs Audreys, and a pair of Klogs.

So if you are going to get some more shoes so you can switch it up, you might try something very different from what you're wearing now, maybe you'll find something that suits your feet better.

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Mar 31, 2009

Hey. I love threads that attack this issue! During CNA clinicals, within 2 h of standing, my legs from the knees down KILLED me. I was sooo worried. I have been a bartender all my life and am used to being on my feet, but for some reason, this time super hurt.

So I did some research on here and found that many nurses wear compression socks. I'm not sure if they are the same as support hose, but I have found that they do wonders for my legs! I got mine from a uniform store (uniformcity.com). They're kinda expensive, around $7 a pair, but for sure worth it. My next expensive buy will be different shoes. One thing I've learned about all of this is you can't skimp when it comes to your comfort.

mochabean · Apr 1, 2009

I'm looking into getting support socks as well as a new pair of shoes, perhaps clogs. I feel like my body has aged 20 years!

Equinox_93 · Apr 2, 2009

For the shoe issue... I've found that going to any better shoe store and asking for the quality inserts that diabetics wear really makes a difference. They give support and comfort (they're soft- like walking on pillows ) Like you say- different things work for different feet, but it's worth a try. I think mine were only about $35. :) I replace them about every 3-5 months.

Oh, and try lots of different kinds of shoes.
Some people swear by extremely supportive shoes like Danskos and Nursemates.
Those types of shoes kill my feet and legs though - I always end up limping by the middle of my shift.
Tennis shoes/sneakers were a little better, but no matter what brand I wore, they not only rubbed my heels but made my feet sweat like crazy.
Once I tried the softer clog type shoes (Crocs, etc) I noticed a huge decrease in foot fatigue. My favorite ones are Anywears, and I switch between a pair of Anywears ballet flat-type clogs, a pair of Crocs Specialists, a pair of Crocs Audreys, and a pair of Klogs.
So if you are going to get some more shoes so you can switch it up, you might try something very different from what you're wearing now, maybe you'll find something that suits your feet better.

Equinox_93 · Apr 2, 2009

Staying in good physical health helps- lift weights for strength, do yoga for flexibility, cardio for endurance and just all around energy.... I find that back exercises (strength training) work very well for me. And a nice LOOOONG hot bubble bath at the end of the day :yeah:

My lower back is stiff and sore. My legs ache all the way down to my feet, which hurt.
Do you guys do anything before or after work to avoid all this pain? Yoga, stretching, exercise, the right shoes? Elevating your legs when you can?

SNTinSC25 · Apr 4, 2009

I agree with everyone here on this one. The right shoes can make a huge difference, especially alternating them. That is the best advice I got when I first started. Also, I know that the support hose are not the best fashion statement, but they are very necessary. I started developing PAINFULL vericose veins after my first year and it only made the fatigue worse, it hurt to even stand still and even when I would sit for a few minutes, not to mention the look of those ugly little boogers! They really do hurt, I cant stress that enough!! It was when I developed a DVT in my leg that I gave up trying to be in fashion and got the hose!! They do make good brands that breath better so you wont get hot, but you have to pay a little more. It is worth the money for the health of your legs and feet!! And of course that hot bath at the end of a long day!! AAAAHHHHHH!!!!! Not to mention feeling gross after cleanin people all day!! LOL!! Good luck and be smart about your health!

texastaz · Apr 4, 2009

Good Shoes, elevate legs, shower massager and go :yawn: .