Healthcare Foot Protection Tips

If you want to keep your feet at a reduced risk for injury, consider these four tips if you work in healthcare.

1. Right Shoe For The Job – Individuals who have been working in the industry for a while know to put function over fashion, but younger healthcare workers may still opt for the stylish pair of shoes over the ones that provide better support. Since you’re going to be on your feet throughout your shift, it is imperative that you invest in a quality pair of shoes that support all areas of your foot. Pack a different pair if you’re going out after your shift, but make sure you’re wearing comfortable work shoes during your shift.

2. Get Off Your Feet When You Can – Even 5-10 minutes off of your feet can go a long way in preventing overstress injuries, so try to find some time to get off your feet during your shift. Whether that’s during your scheduled breaks, or if some tasks can be performed while sitting, try to schedule your day so you’re not on your feet for five hours straight. Find ways to get off your feet during your shift, even if it’s only a couple minutes here and there. Your feet will thank you.

3. Exercise and Strengthen – Caring for your feet on the clock also depends on what you do when you’re not working. Be sure to exercise and strengthen key muscle groups, like your quads, hamstrings and calves. These muscles do a lot of the heavy lifting when we’re on our feet all day, so if we strengthen them when we’re off the clock, they’ll be better prepared to handle the rigors of the work day. Also be sure to stretch these areas prior to and during your shift!

4. Stop Small Problems – Finally, if you notice that you’re developing a foot issue, or you’ve noticed that something just doesn’t feel right with your foot, get a diagnosis from a foot specialist. If you treat small problems while they’re minor, treatment success likelihood remains high. Don’t let that arch pain get worse or that bunion get bigger, if you think something is wrong with your foot, talk to a foot specialist like Dr. Silverman.

The post 4 Ways Nurses and Healthcare Workers Can Protect Their Feet appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.