nursing student with midfoot oa

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 13

Hi there. I worked with arthritis throughout my 20-year nursing career, but I was older to start with (38) and I didn't plan well. I worked in LTC and in a hospital, plus I did management in between them when I was in too much pain to run the floors for awhile.

The thing to remember is you won't always be 22, so you'll need to decide early how much discomfort you can tolerate. As a nurse you'll be spending many hours on your feet. That's why you'll also need the best shoes you can find, preferably fitted by a professional to your individual feet. Yes, they're expensive but they will save your feet....which will help save your back...which takes quite a beating from years of lifting, bending, twisting and pushing.

Good luck. Go for nursing if it's what you really want. Where there's a will, there's a way.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Feb 27

Are you under the care of a rheumatologist or podiatrist? If not, especially with your young age, this might be something to consider. Establishing a good plan of care now could be important to your future comfort and mobility.

One of the amazing benefits of nursing is that there are so many options for work environments once you get your licensure, especially after you get some experience.

Best of luck!

allnurses Guide · Feb 29

Hi,

I have osteoarthritis in my back and both knees also my right elbow. I do Psych so no heavy lifting. The knees are the worst as I can't tell when they are going to go out . I use a cane and work on a lower acuity unit

Hppy