Caring for your feet
Nursing is a physically demanding profession and work related musculoskeletal disorders are common among nursing professionals.
Nurses often work shifts longer than 8 hours a day, with some shifts exceeding 12 hours. With most nurses only sitting briefly at the nurse’s station to write reports, the ratio of walking to sitting weighs heavily towards nurses being on their feet for long periods.
Studies have revealed that maintaining an upright position for long periods contributes to lower back problems, tendonitis, cumulative muscle fatigue and varicose veins.2 Twenty-five percent of nurses report having varicose veins in their lower limbs.
Due to these extended shifts and the nature of physically demanding work, comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.
In addition, workplace safety must be maintained. Nurses may encounter slippery situations and accidental falls are an occupational hazard. Supportive footwear with non-slip soles help to reduce falls.
The Australian Nurses Federation Policy states:
“Nurses have the right to work in a safe and healthy workplace environment and to perform their work without risks to their physical and psychological health and safety.” Within the policy is a timely reminder for nurses to be accountable for their own health and safety.
In a study of clinical nurses in the workplace, the four most important shoe design features were found to be:
1. Arch support can reduce muscle fatigue in the calf and disperse arch pressure;
2. Outer soles with 1.5 cm thickness in the metatarsal zone tend to produce lower metatarsal pressure, vertical impact force and reduce lower back discomfort;
3. Uppers with soft leather help to increase whole body and foot comfort; and
4. Heel height between 1.8 cm and 3.6 cm tends to generate lower heel pressure and vertical impact force in the forefoot and reduce ankle discomfort.
Comfortable shoes with a slip-resistant sole, heel and arch support are an essential element of any nurse’s work attire. Heel counters can aid foot stability, while good quality leather lined footbeds provide breathability and comfort. Nurses should remember to keep their receipts when purchasing work shoes as supportive footwear is a tax-deductible work related expense.