Dr. Brian Nagy | January 25th, 2018
Posted In: General Foot Pain
When your job requires you to stand for the majority of your shift, foot pain can become a part of your daily life. You can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by being on your feet all day by following a few simple tips. A little common sense and the right pair of shoes will do wonders when it comes to keeping your feet healthy and happy, even if you do have to stand on them all day long.
Comfortable shoes with proper support for the curves and arches of your feet will do wonders to eliminate foot pain. Avoid wearing high heels and open-toed shoes whenever possible. Whether you are constantly walking or standing in one place, wearing shoes with little to no support can put excessive amounts of pressure on the balls, arches, and heels of your feet. Put arch supports/cushions in your shoes to pad the bottoms of your feet. Over time, inflammation can start to affect the joints in your feet and callouses can develop that make wearing shoes uncomfortable. If over-the-counter inserts don’t do the trick, you may want to look into custom orthodics.
When you are forced to stand in one place for long periods of time, move your feet whenever you can. Wiggle your toes and flex your arches by lifting your heel and keeping your toes firmly on the ground. Rotate your ankles in a counterclockwise and then clockwise motion. This will keep the joints of your toes and ankle from becoming stiff. It will also improve your circulation and keep blood flowing to your toes. Even something as simple as stepping from side to side can keep your feet from becoming stiff and uncomfortable. When you get home after work, massage your feet to eliminate any stiffness and cramping you experience after a long day.
Standing in one place for several hours can lead to inflammation and chronic pain. One of the best ways to prevent the stiffness you feel after hours on your feet is to stay as flexible as possible. Remaining flexible will strengthen the muscles and connective tissues within the feet. The stronger they are, the longer it will take for them to stiffen. If you keep your feet moving, the increased flexibility will allow for more oxygenated blood to reach the farthest areas of your feet.
During your breaks and lunch period, try to sit down as much as possible. If you can, it may help to improve circulation if you take your shoes off or at least loosen your laces. This will give the muscles in your feet a chance to relax for a little while. A few minutes before you return to work, start moving your feet to get the blood circulating again. Put your shoes and re-tie your laces, but don’t tie them too tight. This will give you a little more room to flex your toes and stretch your arches as you stand.
Your feet bear the entire weight of your body with every step you take. As you walk, the constant pressure and force that is exerted on your foot can eventually weaken your arches and ankles. If you want to reduce the stress you place on your feet, you will need to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight not only stresses the lower legs and feet, it also reduces the amount of blood that can flow freely through your feet while your standing. Reduced blood flow can lead to inflammation, cramping, and a weakening of the joints. In some cases, obesity may also lead to stress fractures and plantar fasciitis as your feet struggle to carry you from place to place.
At Nagy FootCare, you can find ways to reduce the foot pain you experience if you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day. Dr. Nagy can evaluate the health of your feet and help you find ways to keep your feet healthy. Foot pain doesn’t have to be a daily occurrence. Following the doctor’s advice will allow you to live each day pain-free and keep your feet in the best possible condition at all times.
At Nagy Footcare, our best day is when you wake up with no foot pain.
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