Will my feet/legs always feel this way?

incublissRN, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2008

I just bought some thigh high compression stockings and they have helped a lot. My legs aren't achy or sore by the end of my shift. My feet still hurt though. I need to find some good shoes too.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2008

I know it's easier said than done, but losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference. Also, have you considered orthotics?

BeachBayNurse · Jan 29, 2008

It sounds like a typical response, but if you are still having pain with croc like shoes, it is probably because of your weight. However, for the time being, try some real crocs . However, stay away from the beach style, go for the ones that are around $40, you will feel a world of difference.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jan 29, 2008

I work 12's on nightshift, and some mornings when I take my shoes off, I can count my pulse by the throbbing in my feet. Before becoming a nurse, I did pt transport, and though I only worked 8's, 6-8 miles was not an unusual shift, so I learned a lot about foot care.

First: blisters have nothing to do with weight. Improperly fitting shoes cause blisters. Period.

Second, what works for me may or may not work for you. Everyone has their own feet, and finding the right shoe seems to be a matter of trying and trying again. For me, Reeboks seem to do best. Others like Nikes, but they kill my feet. One of my escort buddies swore by Rockports, but they didn't cut it for me, either. I did agree with him, though, that alternating two different pairs was better than wearing the same ones every day. Seems to me they last longer, too.

Once I find a pair that works, I stick with them. I've been lucky about finding my Reeboks at Sam's club for about $25 a pair, so I buy at least a couple of pairs. Two pairs are good for about a year--if I keep wearing them much beyond that, my feet start to hurt, and not just after a long shift. I had plantar fasciitis once, and I don't want it again. So a buck a week for shoes is well worth it. I try to be pretty careful to buy new socks, regularly, too. I'm a guy, and nice lingerie has never been a priority. My favorite boxers are getting transparent, but I won't abide holes in my socks, and I like the thick, soft ones.

I'm also heavy, and recently diagnosed with diabetes. I haven't experienced much in the way of complications, but cramps in the feet can indicate bad circulation. My father, also diabetic, has intermittent claudication and can only walk about 1/8th mile before needing to rest.

So, especially if you're overweight or have other risk factors, it's worth getting checked (fasting glucose, A1c) annually, and if there's a problem, start treating it before it gets worse (Dad had neuropathy and a CABG before he was diagnosed, and now an ulcer on one heel that has almost healed after over a year. At that, he's a lot better off than some of the patient's I've cared for.)

Finally, I think a good walk on days off is a good intervention. A brisk walk is probably best, but I'm more inclined toward a stroll, and I may be wrong, but it seems to me like a natural surface causes me to plant my feet at slightly different angles to accomodate irregularities, unlike a sidewalk or track. "Hiking" a mile or so in under an hour seems to rejuvenate me more than power walking at the mall, although I'll admit the latter is probably better exercise for weight loss.

These are my crazy theories. I've never had occassion to consult a podiatrist as to whether they make sense. My legs and feet do get tired, and my knees are no prizes from my previous career as a carpenter and roofer, but my legs recover after a day's rest, and I rarely need to take a pain reliever.

cherokeesummer · Jan 30, 2008

I forgot to mention I think, that I'm a diabetic. I'm a type I diabetic, since age 12, I'm 31 now. So I am extra special careful about my feet, I never go barefoot, always check them, etc. etc. I am thankful that I can feel the blisters adn stuff that pop up (b/c I know for many feeling in the feet is often the first to go unfortunately).

I do believe my weight is a big part of it of course. I had RNY surgery in the past so I'm much lighter now than I was then but still am overweight. There are some that I work with that are my size and some bigger I notice that they don't complain of pain, but of course that doesn't mean they dont' have any LOL. I don't complain at work but boy do I hurt when I get home LOL!

Thanks for the advice, I'm losing weight now so thankfully that is one positive thing in my side :):) Yay me!!!!!!! A friend of mine is sending me some Croc's so I will try them out. To replace my airwalks. I will try rotating shoes too if I can find some good deals! I have some reeboks from nursing school...I will see if they help too.

Keep the great advice coming!

And nurse mike, I hear ya on the undies...LOL my socks stay good but I never spend money on new bras LOL!!!!!!!!

cherokeesummer · Jan 30, 2008

Oh yeah and I've had the plantar fascitiis before too and yes it is miserable! I don't want to repeat that again. My podiatrist at the time recommended stretching my feet before stepping out of bed but I forget alot.

cherokeesummer · Jan 30, 2008

I just bought some thigh high compression stockings and they have helped a lot. My legs aren't achy or sore by the end of my shift. My feet still hurt though. I need to find some good shoes too.

I would like to try compression hose but I have a problem where I break out in hives whenever something touches me with pressure (i.e. pantyhose, etc.) the doc called it dermagraphia. But anyway, its very ouchy! But it would probably help the feet and legs!

rkrs6673 · Jan 30, 2008

Hey I am a new nurse also and boy my feet hurt when I get home. I am also overweight. Anyway I have a pair of closed toed slippers and I got a pair of dr. scholls inserts from Kmart for maybe 10 dollars. I put the inserts inside my slippers and I place them on my feet as I get home and they make a world of difference for me.

vashtee, RN · Jan 30, 2008

I have not found the Crocs to be supportive enough for a person with foot problems. Try Danskos instead. They are kind of expensive, but my feet and legs don't hurt at the end of a day, and I've got plantar fasciitis and heel spurs on both feet, and a ganglion on one of them. The Dankos last a couple of years, BTW.

Oh, and support socks.

Dolce, RN · Jan 30, 2008

My legs get really achy if I don't wear support socks during my shifts. Varicose veins run in my family. They do get pretty hot but the pay off is not getting old lady legs!!

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2008

I love my Danskos! Yes they were expensive, but worth every penny. I would rather invest the money in a good pair of shoes now than at the doctor (and time off of work) later. Good luck on your search for good shoes.

Oh and Crocs didn't seem supportive enough for me either. But to each his own.