If you’re one of the millions of Americans who spends most of their work shift on their feet, then you may also be one of the millions who deals with foot pain throughout the week. Standing all day takes a toll on your feet, but we don’t want you to regularly be in pain while you’re standing and moving.
Unfortunately, it seems like a fair amount of workers who are on their feet all day deal with pain and discomfort on a consistent basis. A recent survey of workers who spent long hours standing and walking revealed the true extent of foot discomfort among these workers. According to the survey:
- 53% of respondents reported experiencing foot pain several days per week or more.
- 42% said foot discomfort typically began before the end of their work shift.
- The most common location for discomfort to develop was in the heel.
- 44% reported dissatisfaction with the support of their work shoes.
- 32% said foot discomfort negatively affected their quality of life.
Think about that last point. About 1 in 3 people who stand throughout the day are suffering from a decreased quality of life because of foot discomfort. That’s simply too high.
Managing Foot Pain For Standing Workers
You shouldn’t have to deal with physical pain just because you’re on your feet for the majority of your shift. We’re confident that you can reduce or even eliminate your foot pain if you are more proactive in your approach to foot care. Here’s what we recommend:
Shoe Choice – Make sure that your feet are protected by a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes. If you’re going to be standing or moving for hours on end, you need to prioritize function over fashion. Who cares if your shoes look nice if your dogs are barking all day. Consider being professionally fitted for a work shoe that is designed with your specific foot shape in mind.
Weight Management – Working to exercise and eat right can help you maintain an ideal body weight or shed some extra pounds, which will help take a fair amount of stress off your feet if you’re standing and moving all day.
Consider Orthotics – Orthotic inserts can provide some extra cushioning and support to your feet. You can get generic inserts from a drugstore, or you can pay a little more for a custom-designed insert built to the exact specifications of your feet.
Limit High Impact Stress Outside Of Work – We want you to stay active outside of work, but it may be wise to avoid or limit high impact activities if you’re dealing with foot pain at work. Running or jumping-based exercises at the gym can further traumatize your feet. Go for a walk or swim laps at the pool instead.
Get Off Your Feet While You Can – If possible, find little ways to get off your feet throughout the day when presented with the opportunity. We know it’s easier said than done, but if there is some work that can be completed while sitting, or if you can just take a load off for a couple of minutes when the opportunity presents itself, take it. Your feet will thank you for it.
And of course, don’t forget that a doctor would be more than happy to take a closer look at your feet and provide an individualized recommendation based on your unique foot shape and your personal work duties. Let us help you restore your quality of life and get through the workday without pain.
For more information about combating foot discomfort if you are on your feet all day at work, connect with Dr. Silverman and his team today.