Any Remedies for Foot Pain?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Dialysis, Hospice.

Ever since I started working LTC four months ago, I am having bilateral foot pain almost constantly. I know that part of it is plantar fascitis, because I can no longer go barefoot, even when I'm at home, without having a tearing sensation that runs from my heel to my toes sometimes when I take a step unless I have shoes on. I also have constant pain that feels like bruising on the outside of my left foot, which I think comes from putting pressure on it when I'm standing/walking for eight hours straight. LIke I said, I never had any of this before I began working in a LTC facility where I'm on my feet for the entire shift.

At this point, I have tried the inexpensive arch supports that you can buy at the drug store, and I have tried going to a specialty shoe store and having my feet analyzed and purchasing expensive orthopedic shoes and expensive arch support inserts, all to no avail. Nothing has helped, nothing. I haven't gone to a foot doctor because our healthcare insurance isn't very good and we are still paying off some hefty bills from when my dh was in the hospital at the end of last year, so I don't want any added expense right now.

Do any of you have any suggestions or remedies that work for you for this this problem? It has gotten to the point where I can't sleep at night sometimes because my feet hurt, but I also don't want to get into the habit of eating NSAIDs just to keep going. I'm trying to get out of LTC, but I can't quit until I've secured other employment, so in the meantime, I suffer.

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Try and go to your regular doctor. When I have foot pain I elevate, ice or heat, get pedicures, or soak them. I can not take NSAIDS, so I just take plain tylenol. Best bet is to get checked and make sure it is not more serious than you think. Hope you feel better.

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Specializes in Home Health.

Do you typically wear soft shoes when you work, like sneakers or running shoes? This may be part of the problem. I swear by Birkenstock. I wear them almost all the time. when I don't I feel like I need a walker for the first several steps due to plantar fasciitis. I have flat feet. Best of luck.

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Specializes in LTC.

Get one of those foot baths by homedics. God send. Get a good one because the cheap ones leak. I did find a cheap one at target for $10. It was just like a tiny blow up foot bath. You filled it up with hot water and it was amazing.

Get good shoes too. I recently bought the zig-techs by reebok. They look like space-shoes and the colors are bright but they support the entire foot and my feet don't ache at all.

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Specializes in LTC.

I have the same symptoms. I agree soaking your feet helps. Also try muscle rub on the bottom of your feet.

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Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.

Respectfully you need to be evaluated and treated by a health care provider. Since there can not be a proper evaluation of the causes or the damage being done it is not fair to you or persons on this board being asked to help you.

I do appreciate your financial situation but you must investigate for low cost clinics or places where you can pay over time in your area.

For your safety please make an appointment soon.

Marc

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I would see a doctor ASAP. In the meantime, have you tried any kind of compression socks? They may help add a little support and help? Maybe? Or try picking up some Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape (name brand is KT Tape). Some people on here may have seen their PT department using it on patients. It is pretty cool stuff. You can pick it up at someplace like SportsAuthority for about $12. I know they have a way of wearing it for plantar fascitis. Google it and check out their website.

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

If you have access to a swimming pool, make sure to use it after as many shifts as possible. It was the only thing I found that relieved my pf many years ago. Also, a year or so ago, I bought a pair of those Tone Up shoes. They didn't do anything noticeable for my butt or legs, but I have discovered that they are the perfect shoe to wear for walking or standing on hard floors. My feet never hurt when I go shopping, etc. anymore and they always used to, even when I was little. I don't know if they come in plain white, or if you'd even be allowed to wear them to your work, but if you can, they might be worth a try, too.

For pain relief, you could also try cold water soaks, or alternating cold with hot water. Ibuprofen, etc. and keeping your feet above your head while resting or sleeping might help, too.

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Specializes in Intensive Care: Medical and Surgical.

Yes getting a check-up is the best way. Your feet needs plenty of rest too.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Hi, there!

I am so sorry about the foot pain that you have been experiencing recently. I urge you to see your primary care physician, podiatrist, or other specialist as soon as possible to get on the road to some relief. We are not permitted to exchange medical advice on these forums per the terms of service.

Again, I hope you feel better and get the relief that you very much deserve.

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