Sidestepping foot, hip and back pain critical for nurses
Contributed
Nurses work hard. And virtually all of that hard work, from administering medication to hanging IVs to moving patients and equipment, is done standing up on hard surfaces. So it’s no surprise that many nurses experience foot and back pain after a long day — or night — on the job.
Millions of people in physically demanding occupations experience chronic back, hip and foot pain. Repeated strain on the feet, hips and back not only causes pain but also gradually reduces the ability of muscles to recuperate quickly. As a result, healthcare professionals such as doctors, chiropractors and massage therapists spend countless hours treating patients whose pain and discomfort stem from job-related injuries.
For nurses, these ailments and injuries are difficult to avoid. In fact, research shows that nurses suffer from lower back pain more than people in any other profession. The constant physical demands of the profession also prevent nurses from getting enough rest between shifts, which can exacerbate both the problem and the pain.
While treatments for foot, hip and back pain can be effective, nurses can also take steps to prevent strain in the first place. The following are a few proven strategies for staying healthy and injury-free on the job.
• Wear the right shoes. Nurses need shoes that fit well and provide proper support. Since it is important to give shoes a day to air out before being worn again, it’s best to have more than one pair of work shoes. Full-time nurses should replace their shoes every six months.
• Tend to your feet. Foot problems, such as corns, bunions and ingrown toenails, are painful and can sap one’s energy, so treat them early and often.
• Stand up straight. Good posture is one of the keys to preventing both foot and back pain. When the body is in the correct position, the vertebrae that form the spine are aligned and muscles and ligaments can hold them in place without strain. If necessary, various types of posture supports can help ensure that the body is properly aligned and supported properly.
• Bend right. Always be aware of how you move your body. When lifting equipment or moving patients, give your back a break. Instead, bend at your knees and let your legs do the work.
• Think teamwork. If your facility has a lift team, don’t hesitate to use it. If not, work in pairs when lifting, shifting or transferring patients.
• Turn, don’t twist. Lifting and twisting can strain the lower back. When picking up heavy equipment or even a patient, plant your feet firmly on the floor for support. As you turn, be sure to move both your feet and your body.
• Make a move. Holding equipment or patients in one place for a prolonged period can put enormous strain on the neck, shoulders and back. Whenever possible, ask for help or relief. At the very least, stretch out once you’re done.