Nursing means you’re on your feet a lot. So, you must wear the right shoes to ensure your feet stay comfortable and support you on long shifts. To help keep your feet happy across your shift, we’ve got some tips and tricks to finding the right shoes and relieving foot pain. Keep on reading, your feet will thank you for it! The issues that can arise from incorrect footwear. When you’re standing up all day for work, it puts undue stress on your feet, legs, knees and hips. To keep you standing upright through your entire shift, many muscles throughout your body are constantly engaged, while your feet hold the full weight of your body. There’s no downtime for your muscles, while your body is working to keep your blood moving up and away from your feet. Prolonged standing for work is associated with several potentially serious health outcomes. These include lower back pain, leg pain, cardiovascular problems, fatigue, discomfort, and pregnancy-related issues. 7 features of great footwear. 1. The right sizing It’s important to have the right width, depth and length of shoe to match your feet. Incorrect sizing can lead to callouses, corns, compressed nerves, and structural changes to your feet. 2. Stable heel counter The heel of your shoes should be firm when you press it. If it collapses it is too unstable. 3. Flexible at the forefoot Your shoe should be able to bend slightly across the ball of your feet to match your natural gait. 4. Stable midfoot The shoe should not be able to bend completely in half at the midfoot. 5. Laces or Velcro Ensure your shoe has either laces or velcro to minimise slipping and moving in the shoe. 6. Heel raise A small heel rise is preferred. But keep it lower than 2.5cm. 7. Arch support Medial arch support is essential to supporting your feet. Swap out the insole that your shoes come with for new ones that best support your feet. Sneakers vs work shoes. Different types of shoes have different purposes and are constructed uniquely for that purpose. Sneakers are specifically designed for linear movement, so walking in a straight line. They are constructed from EVA or foam, and flatten overtime, making them perfect for exercise or short-term usage. Work shoes are built for durability and longevity. They will have a more rigid heel to aid with balance. The sole will be made out of PU or rubber to provide better natural shock absorption. Tips for relieving foot pain. Foot pain can be quite common for nurses and midwives. Long shifts on your feet can tire them out or cause damage. There are a few things that you can do to relive foot pain. These include: · Stretch and roll your feet when you can on shift to get the blood flowing back into your feet. · Use compression socks to promote blood flow and oxygen, reducing pain and swelling. · Change your shoes every 9-12 months. · See a podiatrist if there are lingering problems. Conclusion. Foot pain is a serious issue for nurses and midwives. With many hours spent on your feet, often with only small changes to rest, it can be easy to cause damage to your feet. Your shoes are vital to keeping your feet healthy and ensuring they can last the full shift. But your shoes aren’t the only aspect. Continue to exercise your feet and monitor them for signs of foot pain. If there are lingering problems, seek help, and see a podiatrist. For more tips like these check out our blog.