This is not what I thought it was

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 3, 2018

A lot of knee pain comes from improper foot/ankle alignment. It's not just ensuring that your ankle and feet are put into neutral alignment, it's also ensuring that you have an effectively equal leg length and so much more. A good running shoe store will help you figure out what type of shoes you will need and how to best put your entire lower body into a neutral alignment as this puts the least stress on all the joints. The kind of running shoe store isn't likely to be the one you'd go to at the mall. The kind you want is a specialty store that caters to actual athletes. This is the store that the marathon runners will go to for proper shoe fitting. The generic mall store usually doesn't have employees trained to do that kind of shoe evaluation.

Here's a hint as to how you know you've found the right place... they'll ask to see your shoes and they'll look at the wear pattern. They'll look at how you stand and walk. They may even measure leg length...

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2018

It just sucks that my coworkers are all ******* & I'm having such horrific knee pain.

Hey YOU, I really feel your pain and know it can really affect one's outlook on life.

I've had RA for 25+ years, mostly in my hands, but when I started at my present job I noticed how my feet would ache after a 12 hour shift. Then on more strenuous days where I was on my feet a lot, the pain would work it's way up through my knees then into my hips until by the time I was headed to the car, I was limping. Got to talking with workmates and they described how things got worse for them also after the building was remodeled. The new floor is solid concrete with a micro-thin overlay of vinyl. BRUTAL! Towards the end of my shift I notice my tolerance for stupid becomes less and my temper gets shorter. I am probably the a$$ hole co-worker they complain about to their spouses.

The pain and chronic fatigue from dealing with it can suck the joy right out of a job and anything associated with it. Something had to give. So I did some serious thinking and decided: The job is basically a good one. I get along well enough with the people, good pay/benefits and reasonable commute. I could ride this job out to retirement if I made some adjustments.

So now I make every effort to sit while charting, replace my shoe pads every three months or so, work out at the gym 2-3 days a week putting extra attention into knee strengthening and mobility exercises and got a handicap hanger so I can park closer to the door. I don't work more than three days in a row and on particularly busy days I allow myself 5 mg of Oxycodone on the trip home to my 105 degree hot tub.

I also plan 2-3 mini vacations a year to keep me motivated. And, of course, indulge in a little AN for mental stimulation.

So sorry to hear about your pain. Ain't no fun.

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Feb 3, 2018

So I have gone through my 3 months of orientation & so far I can't say I love my job. The hours are long, I'm treated like **** by patient's, family members (that's expected) & coworkers & the pay is horrendous.
But my KNEES! My knees are KILLING me by the end of my shift. I was almost in tears yesterday. I have seen my PCP with no relief & am due to see a Rhumatologist this month. I wear compression socks, knee braces & special shoes. But honestly if I can't find relief I'm thinking about quiting. Nothing about working there makes me want to stay when I'm treated like **** & I'm in constant, 10/10 pain.

The whole low pay & treated like **** would make me leave. I'd probably but some new shoes also. I use Salomon trail sneakers they hold up well and make my feet comfy in the ER

tiddles · Feb 3, 2018

Try home health. It's not easy but at least you'll be on your butt most of the day (driving, sitting with patients). I do find it hard on my arm though, lugging my bag around. It's got rollers but they don't work in the snow, mud etc

nursej22, MSN, RN · Feb 3, 2018

Yoga helps people with psoriatic arthritis | National Psoriasis Foundation

Daisy4RN · Feb 3, 2018

I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I can feel for you! I also have suffered these symptoms with auto-immune disease. As others have stated the right shoes etc can help. Also after you get more experience you will be able to cut the running around a little, sitting down when possible, taking ALL your breaks, have a little less stress etc. If you do have auto-immune dx little changes to your diet can also help (anti-inflammatory foods etc.) Put all together, every little bit helps! Wishing you well!!

pixierose, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2018

My NP thinks I might have psoriatic arthritis due to how my nails are pitting & my joints are killing me. I still need good shoes & insoles.
I'm nice at work but they aren't my friends. I don't have their numbers nor are they on my Facebook.

That's ok. For me, I tend to not friend anyone I work with on FB. It's my informal policy, separates home versus work life.

The best revenge you can get on crappy coworkers is to hold your head high and keep working. I say try to keep working there because it took you a little while to find this job, yes? The longer you can stay, the more skills you can pick up, the more references and the better candidate you can become for future jobs.

I have RA so I feel some of your pain. I second what someone said about yoga (even when all you want to do is lay on the sofa).

Hang in there!

djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 3, 2018

Exactly what I'm dealing with. I'm not even 30 yet!

Under 30 with all that knee pain, I'd definitely look into some strength/conditioning regimens or physical therapy. The more healthy and fit you can make yourself early on, the less wear and tear in the long run. Also posture and body mechanics could be playing a role. As others have noted, the right shoes can make or break you. I had feet problems early in my career and developed bad plantar fasciitis. While most nurses suggested a variety of show brands, I found barefoot shoes worked best for me. Haven't had problems since.

Oldmahubbard · Feb 3, 2018

I was not even 30 when I graduated, but the foot pain and intense wear on the body, combined with crappy co-workers, drove me out of the hospital in less than 2 years.

The job market was wide open in those days. You walked in with a copy of your license, and you were hired.

Not so today.

Keep plugging.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Feb 4, 2018

I was in major pain until I started wearing Birkenstocks in 1998. Since then, I've had no pain. I LOVE them!

I will buy anything if they help even a little.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Feb 4, 2018

A lot of knee pain comes from improper foot/ankle alignment. It's not just ensuring that your ankle and feet are put into neutral alignment, it's also ensuring that you have an effectively equal leg length and so much more. A good running shoe store will help you figure out what type of shoes you will need and how to best put your entire lower body into a neutral alignment as this puts the least stress on all the joints. The kind of running shoe store isn't likely to be the one you'd go to at the mall. The kind you want is a specialty store that caters to actual athletes. This is the store that the marathon runners will go to for proper shoe fitting. The generic mall store usually doesn't have employees trained to do that kind of shoe evaluation.
Here's a hint as to how you know you've found the right place... they'll ask to see your shoes and they'll look at the wear pattern. They'll look at how you stand and walk. They may even measure leg length...

I definitely need to find a GOOD running shoe store.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Feb 4, 2018

Hey YOU, I really feel your pain and know it can really affect one's outlook on life.
I've had RA for 25+ years, mostly in my hands, but when I started at my present job I noticed how my feet would ache after a 12 hour shift. Then on more strenuous days where I was on my feet a lot, the pain would work it's way up through my knees then into my hips until by the time I was headed to the car, I was limping. Got to talking with workmates and they described how things got worse for them also after the building was remodeled. The new floor is solid concrete with a micro-thin overlay of vinyl. BRUTAL! Towards the end of my shift I notice my tolerance for stupid becomes less and my temper gets shorter. I am probably the a$$ hole co-worker they complain about to their spouses.
The pain and chronic fatigue from dealing with it can suck the joy right out of a job and anything associated with it. Something had to give. So I did some serious thinking and decided: The job is basically a good one. I get along well enough with the people, good pay/benefits and reasonable commute. I could ride this job out to retirement if I made some adjustments.
So now I make every effort to sit while charting, replace my shoe pads every three months or so, work out at the gym 2-3 days a week putting extra attention into knee strengthening and mobility exercises and got a handicap hanger so I can park closer to the door. I don't work more than three days in a row and on particularly busy days I allow myself 5 mg of Oxycodone on the trip home to my 105 degree hot tub.
I also plan 2-3 mini vacations a year to keep me motivated. And, of course, indulge in a little AN for mental stimulation.
So sorry to hear about your pain. Ain't no fun.

YES! That's the EXACT pain I'm in. I try to sit as much as possible but it's tough since I just started. Some days I don't get a lunch nor a bathroom break. So by the end of those days I'm near tears.