my aching ankles and feet

[ivyrn, BSN, MSN, NP]

alright this is truly a critical subject but what can be done about the swollen ankles and feet at the end of my 12 hour shift?! my mother suggested to invest in some ortho stockings, which i have ( i got the futuro brand), but no real such results, but keep wearing them too b/c i don't want varicose veins! i got crocs and nike shox any other suggestions for comfort?! i looked at the wood clogs and quickly put them down w/ the $130 price tag--i don't think so:coollook:! anything else for $100 or less i wont regret adding to my collection? i don't wanna be a young chica w/ fat, elephant ankles and feet! i got toooo many stilletos to wear for that:chuckle!!

[britgirl37]

I used to suffer from swollen ankles and achy feet after a shift too. I now wear professional running shoes (I actually wear Rykas brand) to work and don't have a problem anymore. I also do ankle strengthening exercises (which are bit like the bed exercises to prevent clots). It was recommended to me to wear compression stockings but I could never get on with them during a shift. Failing that, the first thing I do when I get home is literally put my feet up for at least half an hour!!

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I wear Rykas too; before I found them my feet ached like crazy after 14 hours. My ankles swell a bit, and the easiest remedy is to put my feet up. No compression hose for me. I can't handle the tightness!

[Katnip, RN]

Considering how much you've spent on multiple things that didn't work for you, that $130 pair of Danskos may be worth your while. The do work well because they're so different. Because they aren't "cushy" they tend to last a lot longer too.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

if you are under thirty and not pregnant.... i would recommend seeing your PCP, ASAP.....other than that, sitting is worsed than standing especially if your lower legs are short and your feet dont rest on the flower.....good luck

[SarahBSN06]

I love my cute lil crocs, but when I started having plantar fasciitis (heel pain), I had to invest in better shoes with good support. I agree with trying some good running shoes, but it wouldn't hurt to get checked by your PCP. I found out I have high arches, so Danskos don't work well for me, but a $70 pair of Merrel Mocs and $60 set of insoles with arch support did wonders! Hope you find some relief!! Put up your feet as often as you can on shift! :)

[msjellybean]

If you end up trying Danskos, do be careful. I bought them for my first semester of clinicals and ended up rolling an ankle one day. Not fun. I now wear running shoes, that are similar to the ones I actually use for running.