As a chiropractor, I see many nurses whose physical work wreaks havoc on their feet, knees, hips and back. Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain, low back pain and many other aches and pains are quite common. When a patient comes to my office with a new symptom from this list, one of the first things I ask about is the age and mileage of their shoes.
For many people, the choice of footwear is based on the lowest cost, the way it looks, or even what their friends are wearing. On the other hand, some will assume that the most expensive shoe in the store is the best one. There really is no single “best shoe,” as everyone has slightly different needs for their feet.
The main categories to consider are cushioning, stability and motion control. You also need to consider your foot and gait type (low vs. normal arch), your weight, injury (those who are heavier or dealing with injury need more support), and of course how the shoe fits.
You can ensure a good fit by visiting a shoe store in person, or seeing a healthcare professional. You should replace your shoes every 500 to 800 kilometers [roughly 300 to 500 miles]. For a nurse or healthcare professional, this means a few times a year. If you are struggling with pain or injury, new shoes may help!
Finally, consider orthotics, which can help correct the biomechanics of muscles in the lower leg and foot to assist in foot stabilization, and restore normal function to your feet.
With the right shoes, you'll find there's no “feat” you can't manage!
Peggy Malone, B.Sc, D.C, is a chiropractor and an athlete. She is the author of the e-book Shin Splint Solutions.