Foot & Leg Pain

The typical person walks more than 100,000 miles (160,900 kilometers) in his or her lifetime. The average healthcare professional may very well exceed this number, given marathon shifts and the hours spent traveling along hospital corridors. At the end of the day, it's no wonder that sore feet and aching legs are a common complaint among nurses and other healthcare workers.

In addition to discomfort, foot pain can also lead to long-term health concerns. According to an article published on November 29, 2006 by the Australian New South Wales Nurses' Association (NSWNA), foot problems were the third most common workplace musculoskeletal complaint among nurses (the top two complaints were back and neck problems). The list of foot-related problems that can occur or be exacerbated at work include fallen arches (pes planus), heel pain (plantar fasciitis), bunions, hammertoes, calluses, corns, stress fractures, and sprains. In fact, the NSWNA article reported that 17% of nurses at one Brisbane hospital had foot problems severe enough to prevent them from carrying out normal daily activities, including nursing duties.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent problems and treat those aching feet:

Wear Comfortable Footwear

Wear shoes that:

• are well-fitting,

• have a low or flat heel,

• have a deep heel cup and enough room for your toes to spread out naturally, and

• have lightweight, shock-absorbing soles.

There are many types of shoes to fit this bill, and among them are familiar brand names like Birkenstock, Dr. Scholl's, and Crocs (a brand that is currently very popular among healthcare professionals).

Also wear support hose if you suffer from swollen legs or varicose veins. This special type of hose applies gentle pressure to the legs, and prevents swelling by improving blood circulation to the lower legs. And if necessary, get custom orthotics designed for your feet.

At Work

The International Labour Organization recommends that an ergonomic standing workstation should have an adjustable work surface, a footrest, a chair or stool for the worker to sit on during breaks, and a mat to cushion the feet from hard flooring.

If you must stand for a long period of time, shift your weight regularly, and occasionally flex your feet to relax them.

Literally put your feet up during breaks. Elevating the feet takes pressure off of them and helps to drain excess fluid from your feet and lower legs.

At Home

• Soak tired feet in warm water or try one of the many commercial foot soaks, oils, and salts available.

• Learn exercises and stretches to strengthen your feet and calves.

• Achieve or maintain a healthy body weight, since being overweight puts an extra burden on your feet and makes them more vulnerable to foot problems.

• Do not ignore chronic pain in your feet, legs, and/or back – see a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or sports medicine specialist.

Wear Comfortable Footwear

At Work

At Home

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Sheng Wang

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