my POOR feet!

Retired R.N. · Oct 10, 2006

I am pretty sure I have plantar faciitis-and it sucks. I used to wear regular tennis shoes to work until this past year. I had to have white shoes for school and at some point, I don't know when, it hit really badly. SO, mom bought me birkies with the cork insert. They were much better but then my heels were hurting horribly at clinicals. I was exceeding the amt of tylenol and motrin just to make it through clinicals (was really bad when I was just observing and standing in one spot). I ended up having to pad my birkies. So, on a whim I tried crocs. I thought I was in heaven. Instantly my heel pain went away and the calf pain subsided. Well, now my heels are slightly hurting again, my knees are horrible. I just don't know how to feel better. I do have hyperextended knees from a cheering mis=jump twelve years ago and I stand heavy on my heels so that doesn't help. I have new balance tennis shoes which hurt me. Any suggestions for good supportive cushiony tennis shoes?

Have you ever considered changing your shoes (and socks or hosiery) several times a day? I find this has always been quite helpful for me. There's really something nice about a pair of cool, dry shoes and they make me feel much better after I've been on my feet for a long time.

mel1977 · Oct 11, 2006

I am only on them for eight hours, that is sad! I may give that a try tomorrow maybe midway through my shift. I did find a pair of tennis shoes today that may work. I'll pay for them but if they work, then it is worth it. If they don't, I need to see a doc!

paccookie · Oct 11, 2006

I am pretty sure I have plantar faciitis-and it sucks. I used to wear regular tennis shoes to work until this past year. I had to have white shoes for school and at some point, I don't know when, it hit really badly. SO, mom bought me birkies with the cork insert. They were much better but then my heels were hurting horribly at clinicals. I was exceeding the amt of tylenol and motrin just to make it through clinicals (was really bad when I was just observing and standing in one spot). I ended up having to pad my birkies. So, on a whim I tried crocs. I thought I was in heaven. Instantly my heel pain went away and the calf pain subsided. Well, now my heels are slightly hurting again, my knees are horrible. I just don't know how to feel better. I do have hyperextended knees from a cheering mis=jump twelve years ago and I stand heavy on my heels so that doesn't help. I have new balance tennis shoes which hurt me. Any suggestions for good supportive cushiony tennis shoes?

Have you tried Danskos? They are my favorite.

CG

Retired R.N. · Oct 11, 2006

I am only on them for eight hours, that is sad! I may give that a try tomorrow maybe midway through my shift. I did find a pair of tennis shoes today that may work. I'll pay for them but if they work, then it is worth it. If they don't, I need to see a doc!

ONLY eight hours? Not too many years ago, that was considered a full day!

Whatever amount you may spend on comfortable shoes for working, it is well worth it. Nursing can be hard physical labor, and there's no need to handicap yourself by wearing shoes that hurt your feet. Remember that rotating the shoes you wear will make them last longer so the extra cost of better shoes is offset by their longer life as well as your comfort.

norcalRNstudent · Oct 11, 2006

Since you say that you normally stand back on your heels, have you tried Earth Shoes? They are supposed to give you a stance like you are doing yoga, i.e. heels down, toes up. They have great arch support. Believe me, I know. I'm a waitress and a RN student. They also come in white, one of my friends wears a pair to clinicals. Personally, Dansko's work for me too. Good Luck!

LeahJet, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2006

Mel, I feel for ya!

I have PF in my right foot and it kills me. Working 16 hour shifts in the ER is hell on my feet.

Things that I have done to kind of help are:

1. wear nike shox with a heel insert thing (OTC Dr. scholl's)

2. There is a brace that I am *supposed* to wear but it drives me crazy.... but the idea is to keep your foot flexed...toes pointed upward... while sleeping. I am a stomach sleeper and my toes are always pointed.

3. Icing helps.... I have a coke can with frozen water in it that I have at work and if I get the opportunity, I take off my shoe and roll the can under my foot. Aahhh...that feels pretty good.

Hope this helps.... and good luck....I know how terrible it is!!

augigi, CNS · Oct 11, 2006

Have you considered going to a podiatrist? Maybe some orthotic inserts would help you.

Retired R.N. · Oct 11, 2006

Mel, I feel for ya!
I have PF in my right foot and it kills me. Working 16 hour shifts in the ER is hell on my feet.
Things that I have done to kind of help are:
1. wear nike shox with a heel insert thing (OTC Dr. scholl's)
2. There is a brace that I am *supposed* to wear but it drives me crazy.... but the idea is to keep your foot flexed...toes pointed upward... while sleeping. I am a stomach sleeper and my toes are always pointed.
3. Icing helps.... I have a coke can with frozen water in it that I have at work and if I get the opportunity, I take off my shoe and roll the can under my foot. Aahhh...that feels pretty good.
Hope this helps.... and good luck....I know how terrible it is!!

If you are supposed to be wearing a brace, but aren't because it drives you "crazy," you might want to think about how you will feel when your ability to walk is severely compromised because you have permanently damaged that foot.

In my opinion, your abuse of your feet is just one example of the altered judgment that results from working sixteen hour shifts. Please! Start taking better care of your feet before it is too late!

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2006

I have suffered with plantar fascitis for years. Spent hundreds of dollars on shoes. Two weeks ago I broke down and bought a pair of zcoil shoes. Pain is gone. I will never use any other kind of shoe. Two hundred dollars and the search for help is over. Please visit their web site and read all about it. They look weird, but they are wonderful.

soingal · Oct 12, 2006

You might want to try wearing Power Steps. They are more durable than those purchased at Wal-Mart and other department stores. They are supposed to last for around a year but may last longer depending on usage/wear and tear.

I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot (and possibly right foot) and get annoyed constantly.

I wear Skechers shoes (haven't tried New Balance). I get my shoes from eBay.

Good luck with finding the right treatment! It's a real bear...:icon_hug:

Insurance RN · Oct 12, 2006

I also had PF for years, tried all the meds, splints, exercises and other tricks. I finally saw a podiatrist and had the surgery last January.........what a huge relief. I was only out of work for 3 days and now for the first time in years, walk without heel pain.