Aches and Pains from working

rn/writer, RN · Apr 4, 2009

I wear clogs and start the night with 800 mg ibuprofen. Still have a few aches and pains by the end of the night, but they are about a third of what they were before I started doing these two things.

TERESAKIM77 · Apr 13, 2009

I am really loving this thread!! I wear 20-30 mmHg knee high compression stockings and they work really well. My legs feel much better after wearing them. Also, they are stylish and you can barely tell they are compression stockings.

Also there are compression stocking with cotton in it, I suggest the Sigvaris Cotton 232. It’s a great compression stocking with 20-30 mmHg compression in it. It has 25% Supima cotton lining the inside of the sock. This helps with heat and moisture management. I try to avoid synthetic materials because you can never tell if they are going to wick away moisture or just trap it in. Mediven makes a great travel sock called the Motion Sport. They come in 15-20 and 20-30 levels of compression. The Mediven Motion Sport comes in black and white and is plush. It looks like a sport sock and feels really supportive. They are also pretty durable.

As far exercises, I do some yoga and simple leg exercises.

I hope this helps!! and thank you everyone for the great suggestions! Greatly appreciate them.

JumpingIn · Apr 13, 2009

I agree with rotating shoes until you know what's good for you in particular. Trial and error is what did it for me. I buy good sneakers with some room for movement and potential swelling. I also use gel inserts. I've tried Danskos and Crocs but, I guess my feet and those shoes just didn't get along. By the end of a 12, my dogs would be barking. Now I always invest in good running shoes.

JumpingIn · Apr 13, 2009

Are the compression socks something like TED Hose?

texastaz · Apr 14, 2009

Yes Summer is here - I love my swimming pool just to float around in it-that helps the aches and pains a lot.

mcnasty · Apr 14, 2009

i have not heard anyone talk about this on the board yet but i have heard many horror stories about back pain. my hairdresser told me about a device that you hang from upside down which relieves disc pressure. i believe the name was teeter they are very expensive but i've seen them on ebay. (my husband has a bad back too) i'm not looking forward to back pain, and i'm sure i will have my chiropractor on speed dial. (for the massages) lol -thank goodness my insurance pays for it

CandAmommy · Apr 14, 2009

I am pretty sure if you are prone to back pain, or are concerned a back brace would be effective?

freesia29, ASN, RN · Apr 14, 2009

I have a bad back (5 bulging lumbar disks after my first pg) and I am scared senseless about getting into nursing....the things I have found help me the most for lower back pain is,

kundalini yoga (focuses more on the spine than hatha)

Chiropracter, that uses the gonstead technique;

massage,

ice packs....or for a gel to use while your actually working : "Medic Ice"

proper body mechanics is a definate must...my PT just showed me how to bend without using my waist....

Do lots of backwards stretches....feels great....but don't let your neck crank backwards.....

kegels....helps keep the pelvic girdle stable.....

I use orthodics....but am still searching for a great pair of shoes.....I love the Merrell sport runners, they have a side support if you are prone to rotating your ankle...

Have a great day!

Natascha

azcna · Apr 14, 2009

We stretch as a team before going on the floor. This seems to help a little. I also take the extra time to raise the bed, even when doing quick brief changes. I find that makes a HUGE difference by the end of the night.

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Apr 15, 2009

So I just bought my first pair of "nursing" shoes, nursemates, and I cant wait to try them! Any body have good things to say about those shoes? I think they feel awesome! I know there are some other threads on here that talk about them. But I'm calling these My 1st b/c I spent the much due $$$ on them, unlike my sketchers I've been using.