Dealing with your feet

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

Probably a trip to a podiatrist would be your best bet so you can get properly diagnosed/ treated. If foot problems aren't addressed properly, they can cause huge problems in the long run (I learned that the hard way).

Also, properly fitting work-appropriate shoes are essential. I rotate between a couple of different pairs/ styles. Good quality socks made a difference for me. Also just taking care of your feet - nails trimmed, addressing patches of dry skin/ old blisters. etc. And I find that either soaking my feet after a long day or rolling a tennis ball under my feet helps with garden variety achiness/ tired feet.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

Investing in your shoes is important. Some people like tennis shoes, some people like Alegrias, some like Danskos - I am a Dansko girl myself. I have much less foot pain than I did before I started wearing Danskos. I agree with the rotating shoes tip - that is why I have seven pairs of Danskos. Don't let your feet get used to just one pair of shoes. I also double sock most of the time. I wear my knee high compression socks, then I have other shorter socks over those, usually some kind of thick sports socks. My feet have never been more comfortable.

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2014

I started buying a half-size bigger than I usually wear. Made a tremendous difference, and now my feet never hurt. Also, I do stretches with my legs/feet before I get out of bed. Wear only white 100% cotton socks.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2014

If you have foot problems should see a podiatrist. I never heard of bunions in someone so young. Do you wear high heels a lot. I think heels and narrow top shoes contribute to this problem. Aside from bunions, sometimes a person can benefit from inserts or orthotics fitted by a podiatrist. They can diagnose problems like flat feet or arch issues etc. I have those and they help alot, also wear tennis shoes and I think a little bigger is more comfortable too. I have two different sized feet so have to buy a larger size to fit anyway. Usually go with a men's tennis she because of this.

If someone has heel pain it can be plantar fasciitis and can be treated with a steroid shot and a night splint. It tends to happen as we get older 40's and/or wearing summer sandals without support, feels like you are walking on a pebble.

Beginning15, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2014

Has anyone here had bunion surgery? I have a pretty bad one that I think I should have taken care of before school starts in January. I'm just scared of a bad recovery or long-lasting problems afterwards.

WonderousIvy, BSN · Jul 31, 2014

I have seen a podiatrist a few times. We have discussed surgery but she advised me to wait until later in life because it only relieves pain temporarily(in many cases). I have inserts for my tennis shoes and get daily foot massages (I have an awesome husband lol). If they really hurt I'll take Motrin. What kind of socks do you guys like? I've tried dr.scholls but they don't stay on maybe I'll try a different size. They feel great though. Any other shoe recommendations? I haven't heard to rotate shoes before,I'll do that.

WonderousIvy, BSN · Jul 31, 2014

My bunions are genetic unfortunately! My mother,her mother...as well as my other grandmother..I've had them ever since I can remember...one day I will get surgery. Most likely when I get in my forties or whenever it's too much to handle. Until then I want to learn everything I can to make myself more comfortable. I don't need my feet affecting my life ya know!

mclennan, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2014

At my old clinic job we used to have gnarly nurse feet contests, to see who had the worst troll feet. I saw bunions, corns, all ten nails yellowed with fungus, hanmertoes, calluses so thick they sounded like tap shoes barefoot, blisters, scaling, fallen arches, and of course anyone over 40 had plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Welcome to nursing

WonderousIvy, BSN · Aug 1, 2014

At my old clinic job we used to have gnarly nurse feet contests, to see who had the worst troll feet. Welcome to nursing

This has to be the sexiest thing I've ever heard hahaha!

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 1, 2014

I do plantar stretched every morning, I have been to podiatrist and have custom orthotics. The right shoe is essential. My arches are too high for Danskos or Alegrias (although I wore Danskos 20 years ago when they were still made in Sweden). Also don't let your shoes break down. New shoes every 6 months for me.

Buggysmom · Aug 1, 2014

Okay, Mclennan, I am dying laughing! That is the funniest post I've seen today!!! I'd hate to see what contests the nurses have in a GI clinic.... :nailbiting: