Knees hurt after a day of clinical!

Nursing Students General Students

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I'm in my first semester of ns and everything is going just fine. Theory is awesome, and clinicals have been a fun learning experience. However, when I get home from clinicals my knees are killing me. I know it has to do with standing up all day long but I'm a young woman (22 yo) and I feel like an old lady with joint problems! I'm not the most active person but I've done activities before that required me to walk all day long (like shopping!) and my knees have never had a problem. Anyone else feeling like an old hag?

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

Need a good pair of shoes.

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I agree, a good pair of shoes and some good comfy socks.

Also pay attention to how you are lifting/moving heavy items, it's not just our backs that will suffer.

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Specializes in hospice.
I agree, a good pair of shoes and some good comfy socks.

Also pay attention to how you are lifting/moving heavy items, it's not just our backs that will suffer.

Amen to that! Good shoes and comfy socks are the way to go.

Also, if you can't afford to get a really good pair of shoes, at least get yourself some good shoe insoles (can't think of the right word, sorry; my brain is fried from finals). That's what I did, and I haven't had much problems (and I was fully expecting I would). :twocents:

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My instructor swares by support hose, I know I laugh at her every time (she isn't old only in her 40's) but some days I seriously consider it. Maybe Ill try it when it gets colder and try to rationalize it by saying they keep my legs warmer.:D

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Specializes in Oncology, Triage, Tele, Med-Surg.

I ditto everyone else on the shoes. Even with a "good" pair of shoes, I'd sometimes still get knee pain - new shoes can shift the weight/pressure on our joints enough to make our bodies do some complaining. ;)

Same thing happens to me when I dress up and wear even a short heel (which isn't often) It must put some strain on my knees b/c I will pay the price the next day.

Hope it improves for you soon.

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Shoes.

If you are an inactive 22 year old, it could just be that you are out of shape. Get a couple of knee braces along with your good, supportive shoes until your body is in better condition.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

My legs hurt after my shifts...so I wear medical compression hose. DORKY, but worth it!

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Specializes in LTC.

Are you twisting your body at the knees when you are caring for your pt or making beds? I found out that when I was making beds, I was leaning forward with my knees locked somehow. Don't have any idea why I would do such a dumb thing but once I started paying attention to my knees and back, I figured out what was making my body ache so much.

And ditto with the good NEW pair of shoes.

I'm sure you will figure it out. Good luck.

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