Any recommendations for arch pain?

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been getting really bad arch pain lately. I have Sanitas brand clogs and haven't had much luck. Dansko's don't do it for me either and neither do most Nurse Mates shoes. Does anyone have a good non-clog recommendation for a nursing shoe for 12.5 hour hospital shifts that has worked well to help support their arches and reduce pain?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Have you thought about orthotics? My daughter almost quit nursing because of a similar problem and has a custom pair she can put in almost any shoe (except flip-flops).

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

Can't give you any medical advice and pain is not a normal thing.

Having said that, I don't wear "nursing" shoes, I wear what is comfortable and functional for me.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Birkenstocks worked best for me with plantar fasciitis. Be sure to stretch your feet in the morning before they hit the floor.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

If you have a good running shoe store by you go there and tell them you are on your feet for 12 hours and need good shoes and good inserts. We have one by us that is great! Don't go to a big box store, they just want to sell you big money shoes for commission. The small stores are better!

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I have the same problem and my podiatrist recommended SuperFeet insoles after I had surgery for bone spurs. They're hard insoles but I can definitely feel the difference when I wear them.

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I love altras. They are "foot shaped" and have never hurt my feet. They don't have a lot of support though. It feels like I am wearing really cushy socks all day!

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Specializes in L&D.

I wear Asics and New Balance and for the most part, my feet don't hurt.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I wore Birkenstocks. After I got used to them (that takes a bit), it didn't feel like I was even wearing shoes. Also, I had bunions and they went away.

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I finally went to the podiatrist and he made me some custom orthotics! Insurance paid for every penny, however if I would have had to pay the $400 in cash it would have been worth every dollar! I have really high arches and no brand of shoe would every relieve the pain. Now I can put my custom orthotics in a $5 pair of shoes and I'd never know the difference lol

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Specializes in psych and geriatric.

I use Keens hiking boots and knee-high compression stockings. I started using the stockings after a bad horse accident left me with some permanent damage to my leg, and without the compression I have bad swelling. The stockings actually help with foot, leg, hip and low back pain. I tried a variety of shoes until I settled on the Keens; I have to replace them at least once a year; I can sure tell when they are getting too worn out as my feet hurt really, really bad. I work 12 hour shifts at a nursing home.

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Specializes in Med-Surge; Forensic Nurse.

Interesting you bring this up, because I have noticed I am starting to have foot pain, in one foot. I can't do Danskos, either...they are too wide and my foot just flops and rubs in the shoe. I wear Under Armours at times, but, so, far, I find the best support in my Anne Klein Iflex shoes. They help the most, but, I still have the pain when I wear other shoes. I think I need to at least get some Dr. Scholl's arch support/gel supports. Keep us posted.

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