To all the nurses who dedicate themselves to care for others…
As a profession that helps people, you can often forget to help yourself. This blog post is to help you know how to keep your feet healthy during times that you may be up and on them more often. We want to keep you on your feet and doing your work like the superheroes you are! Sore feet don’t stop when you’re busy!
Being in hospitals, aged care facilities, primary care clinics, and vaccinating our vulnerable during times of increased workload and stress, and on your feet for the majority of your shift puts a lot of stress through your feet. A sudden increase in activity can often cause pain.
Footwear is an essential aspect to consider. Is it supportive enough? How old are my shoes? Have a look in your closet for a supportive sports-type shoe with laces. The cushioning materials, or dual density midsole, will help offer greater support and protection from the increased workload. Callus forms on the foot due to areas of high pressure and can often lead to a painful corn -a small hard ball of callus essentially, generally overlying a bony area, such as your toes. It is quick and easy for us as podiatrists to treat a corn, but in times when it is more difficult to see a podiatrist face to faceit is best to keep on top of the callus early with a pumice or foot file – these are best used when the skin is dry! Additionally, a foot moisturiser cream with a high urea content will help break down the callus.
Foot pain, such as in your heel or arch can be very common with the increased time spent on your feet. Poor foot mechanics, increased load, unsupportive footwear, and weak foot muscles are common causative factors to consider. Strengthening exercises, strapping tape, and even orthotic therapy can help to reduce the forces creating this pain. If your knees are getting sore this may also be indicative of incorrect footwear or weakness in the foot and leg due to the increased workloads.
Please see below some strengthening exercises that may help.
Please reach out if you need some specific advice, as we have video conferencing and phone appointments available.
Thank you for your ever-appreciated work, nurses!
Resonance are here for you every step of the way
By Resonance Podiatrist Brittany Malzard
Foot exercises you can do anywhere
Tennis ball rolling exercises
Plantar heel pain from Resonance Group on Vimeo.
