As a nurse, you spend hours on your feet every day. As a result, you may experience aching, swelling and a host of other problems. To counteract the stress you put on your feet, you need to care for them on a daily basis. Below are five tips to help you keep your feet healthy and pain-free. 

1. Get off your feet when you can.

Although you may not always be able to slow down when you're working, you should try to spend some time off your feet throughout your shift. When you have breaks, sit down and elevate your feet, if possible. After your shift, spend time at home with your feet up before you go to bed. 

2. Wear good shoes.

One of the best ways to protect your feet throughout the day is to wear supportive, durable shoes. When shopping for shoes, be sure to try them before you make a purchase. Avoid buying shoes that are too tight, as your feet may swell throughout the day. Socks are also a factor here. Consider getting compression socks if you have circulation issues. 

3. Soak your feet at night.

When you get home from work each night, soak your feet to relax the muscles and relieve the tension, and remove any sweat or dirt your feet have accumulated during the day. If your budget allows, consider investing in a foot spa with jets to make the experience even more enjoyable and rewarding. When you have finished soaking your feet, dry them and apply a moisturizing lotion before bed. 

4. Treat yourself to a pedicure

Splurge on yourself every few weeks by treating your feet to a pedicure. Pedicures not only give you a chance to relax, but they can also keep your feet healthier by removing dead skin and ensuring that your toenails are adequately trimmed. If you can't afford to get a professional pedicure, you can accomplish the same goals at home with a foot spa, Epsom salt and a good pair of toenail clippers. 

5. Seek treatment if necessary

When it comes to foot care for nurses, at-home measures aren't always enough. If you notice any serious or worsening problems with your feet, such as chronic numbness, tingling, swelling or pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

Keeping your feet healthy can be difficult when you spend most of your time abusing them. However, by following the tips above, you can reduce the amount of pain you experience and prevent future problems.