Whether you are a salesperson, a police officer, a construction worker, a teacher, a restaurant employee, or a professional athlete, the pain from standing on your feet for long periods of time directly affects your mood and job performance. When your feet hurt at work, the day drags on because there is no relief from the aching, numbness, throbbing, and tingling until you clock-out for the day. In order to keep working efficiently and prevent lower leg problems and other foot problems, here are a few tips that will reduce your foot pain.
Use Anti-fatigue Floor Mats
If you are a worker who has to stand in one spot or in a small area for hours, such as a chef or machinist, you might want to purchase some quality anti-fatigue mats or rubber padded area rugs to stand on. Standing for eight or more hours strains the body as it becomes tense from battling gravity to maintain balance. Anti-fatigue mats are engineered to encourage blood flow in the legs and promote the natural sway movement of the upper body. This layer of cushioning between your feet and the hard floor will alleviate the fatigue not only of the feet and leg muscles, but also of the entire body.
Wear Supportive Shoes
The shoe experts at Alegria Shoe Shop, designers of comfortable and unique working shoes, suggest investing in a pair or two of work shoes that are ergonomically designed to provide support and comfort. Good shoes that fit well will improve your posture and disposition because they are designed to leave extra room for your toes and reduce pressure on the soles of your feet.
Implement Foot Stretch Exercises into Daily Routine
There are quite a few foot stretch exercises that can be performed during your lunch break and small breaks during the day. Stretching your feet and calf muscles will keep the muscles and ligaments in your legs and feet warmed up and prepared to deal with the physical stress of standing all day. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons outlines nine foot and ankle strengthening exercises that can performed at work or home.
Replace Insoles
There is a good chance you will wear out the insoles of your work shoes before the shoe needs replacing. Inserting a pair of quality removable insoles in your shoes will lessen the amount of pressure that is put on your feet. Arch supports, orthotic insoles, and other shoe inserts provide therapy for foot problems that result from not having sufficient orthopedic support when you walk or stand.
Change Your Diet
Drinking plenty of water and limiting your salt and sugar intake will help you maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight can lead to foot fatigue and swelling in the ankles and feet. While the snacks in the vending machine are tempting, you may want to opt for a bottle of water and a piece of fruit.
According to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, Americans take-off 2 million sick days each year due to leg, ankle, and foot injuries. While the daily grind on your feet cannot be avoided, following the above suggestions will alleviate sore feet, Plantar Fasciitis, and other foot deformities that result from standing on your feet all day at work.
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.
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