I am an RN who works 12-13 hours on my feet at a time. Over the last month or so, I've been experiencing foot, leg, and lower back pain. The foot pain is the most noticible, especially in the morning when I first get up and put my feet on the floor. Today I experienced some numbness and tingling, as well as the usual aching pain in the balls of my feet, toes, arches and heels! I have no idea where to start. I'm only 23, but I feel like ever since I started nursing a year and a half ago, I have aged 25 years in the way my body feels. I don't want to live with chronic pain, and I know the older I get, the worse it will get. HELP!!

Dear Jessica,
I would suggest trying to perform streching exercises in the morning. Before getting out of bed, grab a towel, apply it to the ball of your foot and pull towards you. Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds, then repeat 30 times each side. You foot, leg and back pain all sound related. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, preferrable with good arch suppport. I would also suggest that you go and get evaluated by your Podiatrist. he/she will be able to correlate your clinical symptoms with your history and physical exam for a mor accurate diagnosis.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM
foot.com expert