Foot Swelling as a teacher

absterboss · May 2014

Hi all!

As a FTM, I knew I'd be swelling. It's a natural part of pregnancy. My BP is fine, and my MW is not concerned because it's not bad, and I am drinking enough.

But, as a teacher, I find my feet are swelling every day recently, and I am not sure what to do. Everyone says...put your feet up. Well, it's kind of hard as a 2nd grade teacher.

So, anyone out there who's a teacher or have a really busy job that requires you to be on the "go" all the time have tips? I have 6 weeks left of school, so I need to figure something out now.
Thanks guys!

Laura5533 · May 2014

Not a teacher, but support hose are your friend. Not sexy, and kind of uncomfortable (especially when it's hot), but they do help with the uncomfortable swelling.

kshare18 · May 2014

My feet look like elephantitus at the end of the day and I have a desk job. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Like PP, my OB recommended the very attractive hose. I have been trying to avoid that, but when he mentioned the possibility of blood clots, I knew I had to give in. GL.

shugirl76 · May 2014

High school teacher here and have been having trouble with this. Compression hose do help as does elevating your feet when you can.

MeganEMcG5 · May 2014

I bought compression sleeves after my swelling started getting bad. I haven't tried them yet, because I think I need a bigger size (apparently I have huge calves). I liked those as an alternative to all out stockings, especially with the warmer weather. I know you mentioned that you're drinking enough, but I can absolutely tell a difference if I don't manage to drink 4 20 oz bottles of water a day. It's probably hard for you to get enough bathroom breaks in too, but you might try even upping your hydration if you can!

ETA I did "Junior Achievement" (student teaching) for a day last week, and I was EXHAUSTED despite my day starting and ending earlier than my normal work day. I have MAD respect for you teachers!!!

pmpkn219 · May 2014

yeah, compression stockings. dead sexy.

absterboss · May 2014

Thanks ladies! Sorry it took long to respond. Ugh. Compression socks eh? I may have to break down and buy some. I'm up for trying anything.

CanadianintheSouth · May 2014

I now sit when I teach (used to always stand/ walk). I teach high school though so it's easier for me, couldn't imagine what it must be like in 2nd grade!! On a side note, I wore sandals yesterday to work, and multiple people made comments about how my feet look swollen.

teachermommy2014 · May 2014

I am a 2nd grade teacher too! I told the kids that some days I have to teach from a chair and try to put my feet up when I am home. I fall asleep with my feet on top of pillows too. The compression socks make me think of how hot I would be.

[Deleted User] · May 2014

I just started having the same problem yesterday. I took my shoes (Danskos) off during math, and after math, I couldn't get them back on!!!! (There's no give in Danskos.)

I've been told to try and drink as much water as possible, but it's just impossible when I have no time for a bathroom break from 12:30-3:30. I might just have to ask my principal if I can call someone down from the office if I need to leave for a bathroom break.

I put my feet up today and my kids asked why...and when I told them, they all proceeded to check out how tight my socks were on my ankles and make funny, disgusted faces. haha Oh, 6 year olds. Gotta love 'em.

mmsweeney1 · May 2014

Like @capsfan52 I tried to give my feet a break by taking my shoes off during my prep time and then it was absolute torture to put them back on before the next class came in! I have had success with drinking lots of water (have to dash out of class sometimes to use the bathroom though!) and elevating my feet at night when I get home.

[Deleted User] · May 2014

@mmsweeney1 That's a sympathy "love it"!

I'm going to have to just try and up my water intake. This just started happening yesterday, so I'm still almost in shock with how big my ankles were today!

teachermommy2014 · May 2014

I am SO HAPPY it is warmer out now...flip flops all the way! Started and not going back

As I sit on my couch with my feet on my "feet pillows"

Peaece13 · May 2014

I teach 4th and just try to sit as much as possible. I definitely do it more now than I would not pregnant! The swelling hasn't been bad yet except for last week my left ankle was twice as big as my right. I wore compression socks the next day and it seemed to help. However when I told my doctor about it she said if it happens again to call so they can check it out...I felt bad I didn't call but instead used Dr. Google to determine that since I didn't have any pain or redness it was probably fine...whoops

SherryBaby2014 · May 2014

I teach in a preschool special ed class and we got up to about 90 degrees today. First day my feet started to balloon up!

Just looking forward to summer at this point!

raquelynn714 · May 2014

@capsfan52 my kankles came back in full force today (I was keeping them at bay by drinking lots of water) and I wore my Danskos today too! I thought my Danskos would be more comfortable than the unsupportive flats I've been wearing. Back to flats!

absterboss · May 2014

teachermommy2014 said:
I
am a 2nd grade teacher too! I told the kids that some days I have to teach from a
chair and try to put my feet up when I am home. I fall asleep with my
feet on top of pillows too. The compression socks make me think of how hot I would be.

That's my first thought too! The sweat! Ahha

absterboss · May 2014

Well, at least I feel better knowing I'm not alone! Thanks ladies:)

nyagoc · May 2014

I teach high school special ed, so I can't sit down, otherwise I'd have a problem. I've found that wearing Birkenstock sandals have really helped with the swelling. The Gizeh style is cute and comfortable.

sjs1013 · May 2014

I'm a fourth grade teacher. I put my feet up during lunch and prep. I am ok for the first hour or 2 of school, then I start to feel the standing. I check homework later in the day than I used to so I have some sitting time. Also, I will teach and explain, then give them independent practice and take a sitting break. Instead of circulating, they come to me for questions and assistance.

[Deleted User] · May 2014

raquelynn714 said:

@capsfan52 my kankles came back in full force today (I was keeping them at bay by drinking lots of water) and I wore my Danskos today too! I thought my Danskos would be more comfortable than the unsupportive flats I've been wearing. Back to flats!

I need my Danskos for the arch support (I can't wear any flat shoes any more as I've had really bad plantar fasciitis for awhile...I even have flip flops with arch support!) and I thought they'd be great...but they have NO GIVE when it comes to getting them on swollen feet! haha I don't care how dumb it looks...I'm wearing my (orthopedic) flip flops from now on!

ableast · May 2014

I'm a teacher too. Special Ed. I try to sit down as much as I can. I hate teaching from a chair, but if that's what I have to do right now than so be it. I also take 2 extra pairs of shoes to work. I usually start off the day in tennis shoes then switch to flip flops, then at the end of the day I might end up in slippers. You do what you gotta do. Counting down the school days...

Sarafar4 · May 2014

Our school is not air conditioned, today the high was 88 but by 10:00 I swear it was well passed 90 in my classroom. The thought of wearing stockings is nauseating! And I love flip flops but they offer no support so by the end of the day, my feet are killing me. Only six more weeks till summer vacation!

[Deleted User] · May 2014

Sarafar4 said:
Our school is not air conditioned, today the high was 88 but by 10:00 I swear it was well passed 90 in my classroom. The thought of wearing stockings is nauseating! And I love flip flops but they offer no support so by the end of the day, my feet are killing me. Only six more weeks till summer vacation!

Check out Orthaheel sandals. They're not the cutest shoes ever, but they aren't ugly either. I bought flip flops with great arch support and they are comfortable enough to wear all day.

Edited to fix the brand name I had spelled incorrectly.

kristens1116 · May 2014

I'm also a second grade teacher and having the same problem. I'm finding it really hard to sit down for any length of time with 26 7+ 8 year olds to entertain. I did however have the kids start doing more of the leg work for passing out papers and such.

I'm pregnant with twins so I am dying for the end of the year already! Ugh, maybe August was poor planning.

I'm definitely going to look into more supportive sandals with the warm weather coming. The reviews for the orthaheel are really good. Thanks!

Familyhugs922 · May 2014

Special education elementary teacher here....I put a small stool under my table for reading groups, etc. During planning I put it under my computer desk & just keep drinking water. Mine were terrible with dd, and I expected them to b terrible this time too. 4 more weeks, though, and then I can sit more. I asked my principal if I could just wear flip flops and she said that was fine. Good luck! It's almost over!!!

LondonToSavannah · May 2014

I'm a high school teacher on the 4th floor of a non-air conditioned building. Miserable

I have a system with some of my coworkers that they will babysit my kids for a minute as needed when they don't have class so I can run to the bathroom. Staying hydrated helps a bit. Also, I have a stack of unused textbooks under my desk for me to put my feet up on. Maxi dresses and flip flops have been a lifesaver. The long dress hides the gross feet.

When I get home I put my feet up for most of the night if there isn't much to do around the house.

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