Medical professionals, particularly nurses, spend the majority of every shift on their feet. From checking rooms and patients, taking charts from one area to another, moving equipment and beyond, your feet take a beating each and every day. Ask any person who has spent more than a few hours on their feet and they will tell you clearly – if your feet hurt your entire body will suffer. This is why taking care of your feet is not just important, it is critical to your health.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Dealing with "My Aching Feet!"
While you have probably heard of carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome is actually quite similar. In TTS, the ligaments that run from the ankle to the bottom of the foot become inflamed, irritating the nerve located just behind the ligament. This is often the result of not wearing shoes with proper arch support and good heel stability. The symptoms include tingling, numbness and dull aches. Wearing proper shoes and physiotherapy are often suggested as a first round therapy to help heal Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.
Plantar Fasciitis: Arch Pain
While those cute little floppy soft shoes you love may be in fashion, the fact is they are simply terrible for your feet. The broad band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot is called the plantar fascia. When this tissue is stretched away from the heel, the tissue will inflame resulting in heel and arch pain. Left untreated, it may lead to heel spurs and more pain. According to the Foot Health Network, treatment is actually fairly easy. Avoid high-heeled shoes and instead choose shoes that have good shock absorbing heels and foot insoles. If you have flat feet, then proper orthodics are recommended.
Other Foot Problems to Watch Out For
There are actually a number of minor-to-serious foot problems that busy nurses should be aware of. That sore foot may actually be a sign of a more serious problem, including Charcot’s arthropathy, arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If your feet hurt and despite resting, switching shoes and all other attempts to relieve your foot pain, the pain continues, The American Physical Therapy Association recommends finding a foot clinic where a professionally trained pedorthists, podiatrists, and other professionals are available to help examine your feet, your walk, your shoes and your range of motion to assess what might be causing the pain you are having.
Proper Foot Care Starts With Proper Shoes
Ask any busy nurse what the most important purchase she makes for work and you will probably hear "Shoes, of course!" As most nurses know, each foot contains 26 little bones; seven in the ankle, five in the instep, and 14 in the toes. Each little bone and joint is held together by muscles and ligaments. One can imagine how a 10 or 12 hour shift can put a lot of pressure on your feet and stress the small bones of the feet. In some cases, without proper foot care, the small bones may actually fracture. This is why proper footwear is the number one essential part of a smart nursing "uniform".
When looking for shoes that will protect your feet, last a long time, and not create uncomfortable blisters and calluses, consider the following:
Shoes should have rounded or squared toes.
Shoes that have thick, well supported arches and heels are best.
Keep laces firmly tied.
If your shoes cause blisters or calluses, consider either adding padding or getting better fitting shoes.
Avoid plastic or vinyl shoes. They do not breathe properly and do not stretch where needed.
Look for function over fashion. While a new pair of shoes may look terrific and chic, you may regret it when your feet start to hurt within an hour of wearing them.
Basic TLC For Your Feet
While your feet are "way down there", it's important to take a good look at your feet on a regular basis. Individuals with diabetes are always warned that they should closely watch their foot hygiene and foot health, but this is equally important for nurses who depend on their feet to carry them through long days. Here are some key tips to help you take care of your feet:
Do not shave calluses off of your feet. Calluses are actually a sign that you have abnormal pressure points on your feet and your shoes are not fitting properly. Either buy larger shoes or softer shoes. Gently smooth calluses or have a foot professional take care of them for you.
Trim toenails neatly and squarely across, and avoid "pick" and peeling dead skin from your feet which can lead to tearing of skin and infection.
Examine your feet for any blisters, discoloration, redness, or tender spots.
Wear socks whenever possible.
Keep feet, especially heels, moisturized and cool.
Apply foot powder, such as talcum powder, in your socks and/or shoes if your feet tend to sweat during your shift.
Wash your feet daily and, if possible, consider soaking your feet to relax them.
It's important to work in some time to stay off your feet and relax. While nursing can create some wildly busy shifts, during your days off resting and elevating your feet can help counter some of the more "tender" feet days.
Exercises For Your Feet
You know that stretching your fingers and bending our arms is good to keep your hands and arms flexible, but how many of you know that exercising your feet is as important? The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society has several foot exercise recommendations to help strengthen your toes, ankles, and arches. Here is one to try right now:
Golf Ball Roll:
Remove your shoes
Place a golf ball under the ball of your foot.
Roll your foot back and forth over the ball, so the ball is running and rolling along the arch of your foot.
This exercise is great for anyone with plantar fasciitis and other arch strain pains.
Your feet walk miles every day in service to patients who depend on your good disposition and outstanding care. By taking a little time to take care of your feet, you can eliminate foot pain discomfort and stay energized all day.
Article © 2009 My Nursing Uniforms.com / Young Lion Incorporated
Image courtesy of akefaisal
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