Travel nurses are required to stay active, work long shifts and stay on their feet. This is the reason almost all the nurses complain of feet fatigue. Causes that add to feet ache may be obesity, flat feet, high arch, poor-fitting shoes, etc. While the nature of their job can’t change, there are ways foot fatigue can be cured.
Read on to learn how to ease foot pain at home.
- Hot and Cold-Water Therapy – Hot water regulates blood circulation and cold water reduces swelling. So, fill two buckets with hot and cold water. Soak your feet in hot water for 3 minutes and then soak them in cold water for 20-30 seconds. Repeat the process 3 times and give your feet some rest.
- Copper Compression Socks – Choose compression therapy which is known to soothe foot pain and strengthen vein support. You can easily get copper compression socks for nurse online that not only make your feet feel just fine but also prevent odor from sweating. Copper socks also reduce spider and varicose veins. So, wear them during the day and take them off when going to bed.
- Warm Water and Epsom salt – Epsom salt is a pure and natural compound magnesium and is used to ease foot pain. To use, fill a bucket with warm water and add two to three tablespoons of Epsom salt. Dip your feet in it for 20 to 30 minutes. You can also add essential oils to the water. Apply moisturizer after you’re done to prevent dry skin.
- Medicinal Herbal Oil – You can also apply herbal oils on your feet and massage them gently. It helps loosen the tightened tissues and improves blood circulation. You can also roll your feet over a tennis ball for regulated blood flow.
- Healthy Foods– Add carbohydrates and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Good examples are walnut, flaxseed and cold-water fish. You should also eat at least 10 cherries a day. Cherries contain Anthocyanins that relieve inflammation. In any case, cut sugar and refined oils from your diet for a few days since they cause inflammation.
- Exercises – Do some stretching exercises before you start your shift. Stretch your feet from side to side and then forward and backward in a twisting motion. Other stretching exercises also help. Twice in a week, lie on your back and raise your leg to a 90-degree angle and hold it with both hands. Point and flex your foot and repeat it 25 times per foot.
- Proper Form – Sit upright and take help while lifting or moving patients. While sitting, do not slouch. Also, ensure that you align your feet properly while walking so that your weight falls on the balls of the feet.
Additionally, foot pain is also caused by diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. So, if these tips do not help and the pain continues, get medical help immediately. Foot fatigue is very common because of hectic schedules. So, use these tips even if you don’t suffer from foot ache and take good care of your feet.
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