We take a lot of steps each and every day, but some days are harder on our feet than others. Maybe you work on your feet every day or you’re headed to an outdoor concert where you’ll need to stand in order to see the show. How can we make sure we protect our feet so our puppies aren’t barking or injured by the time we get back home at the end of the night? We share some tips for protecting your feet if you’re going to be standing or walking all day in today’s blog.
On Your Feet All Day
Here are some things you can do on the day in question and in your free time to help prepare your feet and legs for a long day of standing.
Exercise – Now if you’re going to be on your feet all day, you probably want to avoid a three-mile run in the morning, but exercise is a great way to protect your feet when you’re not expected to be standing or walking all day. Exercise develops key muscle groups that help our body handle the stress and strain that accompanies every step we take. It may not seem like a stressful movement, but standing for hours or taking 30,000 steps will take its toll on your feet. Help your lower body be prepared for this stress by conditioning the muscles and tissues with exercise. Swimming, cycling and running are great ways to do this.
Wear The Right Shoes – This tip can’t be understated. You need to wear the right shoes for the upcoming activity. If you’re going to to be on your feet all day, you need to put function before fashion. You may want to wear those new high heels or sandals, but if they aren’t going to support your feet for long periods of walking or standing, you run the risk of suffering an injury. Calf injuries, bunions and muscle imbalances can all develop if you don’t have a supportive shoe. Make sure your shoe choice can handle the rigors of the upcoming activity.
Take Breaks and Pack A Chair – If you’re on the job site, find time to get off your feet. Find a comfy place to sit during breaks and at lunch to give your feet and legs some time to rest. If you’re walking or standing a lot during a recreational activity, take breaks when possible. Pack a folding chair or a blanket so you can take a load off if you’re at an outdoor concert or your niece’s soccer tournament. Plan ahead so you can sit when your day allows it.
Hydrate – Walking and standing may not seem like strenuous work, but your body will lose fluids faster than if are sitting. If you get dehydrated, your muscles won’t work as efficiently, which will tire you out and can increase your risk of a muscle strain or spasms. Keep a bottle of water handy if you’re going to be on your feet for an extended period of time.
Stop If Something Hurts – Your feet may be sore, but if that soreness turns into sharp pain, cut your day short. Pain is an obvious sign that something is wrong, and if you continue to stress your feet, you may make it a lot worse. If pain persists beyond 24-48 hours, call Dr. Silverman and let him have a look.
