New Nurse With Plantar Fasciitis

[Imyangski]

Hi guys. I am 23 years old and just passed Nclex! At the moment, I am looking for a job but scared because I have plantar Fasciitis and metatarsalgia. I was diagnosed a year ago. The pain lessened with 1 year of physical therapy, custom made orthotics, great shoes, stretches and a lot of ice. I want to work in a hospital but just worried this might hinder me because I know it is a lot of walking and standing for HOURS! I am afraid it might flare up my pain again and will prevent me from working! Any Nurses who have this condition? How did you deal with this? Also, what type of Nurse are you? I would love any advice. Thank you!

[nutella, MSN, RN]

Ok, you would not believe - but I got plantar fasc. from walking too much after I had surgery. It was really bad pain. I tried all kind of things including stretches and exercises. It only made it somewhat better.

After months of trying to get it better and terrible pain I bought a wooden foot roller for $ 4 and started to roll my feet. The first week I used it frequently - I was on vacation. After the first week of using the cheap foot roller my pain went away!

I was still using it three times a day for some while. Now I use it occasionally when I feel it flaring up (for example after exercising).

I also wear heel cups in my exercise shoes. If you walk a lot make sure you have a good pair of sneakers with insoles or whatever you use and sit down in between.

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

Ohhh the pain of this condition... Been there, done that and will NEVER allow anyone to INJECT a steroid into the heel of my feet again!!!

However, know that though this may be a reoccurring condtion, one can prevent its redevelopment by doing simple foot movements DAILY. DO it while you sit, while you're in bed, etc. Simply hyperextend your foot one way, then pull it back the other way in the opposite direction. do this for approx 10 reps per session. The goal is to keep that ligament pliable. Once my symptoms abated, and the daily foot ritual began, I haven't had a reoccurance of this malady and its been 10 years of relief!! One can also rub their foot over a can of vegetables several times. Hope this helps.