Many professionals in the healthcare, security, hospitality and restaurant, sports and athletic, manufacturing industry and services to name a few, require long hours of load-bearing activities, which may be affecting their posture, gait causing mal-alignment of Foot, Ankle and Lower Limb biomechanics. Standing for long hours a day in and day out can wear your feet out quickly and in addition, if you have to commute, waiting in long bus queues, then you know the feeling of strained, aching feet. But many of these situations are unavoidable, it’s a professional hazard so the best option one has is to adapt and try different ways to reduce the strain on your feet. Frequently we hear mid-age, even young age population complaining of the heel, aching feet, knee and back problems, which could be a result of the load their feet have to take through the day. Standing on the job not only accelerates tiredness and fatigue, but it also increases the risk of various foot and leg problems:
It puts a strain on bones, joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments
It reduces blood supply to the lower extremities
Accumulation of blood in the foot or around the ankles
Flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, oedema, varicose veins and venous insufficiency are problems associated with standing long hours.
"Your job is important but so are your feet"
Relieve the pressure on the feet from time to time i.e give them a break
Sit for a couple of minutes whenever you can
Walk around when you can, instead of standing in one place for too long
Wiggle your toes
Shift your weight from one foot to the other
Sit down for lunch
Sit down during breaks
Stand in different spots
Stretch when you can
While at work, try standing with one foot slightly raised
Propping your feet up above the rest of your body will help decrease the swelling caused by standing at work
Your Footwear matters:
Wear shoes with good arch support
If you have to wear high heels to work, wear 2 in high, completely level shoes also put too much pressure on the heel
Most athletic or walking shoes with wide toe caps are good choices
Don't wear narrow shoes
Wear shoes that fit properly
Do not follow fashion blindly
Wear shoe orthotics
Care for Your Feet
Cold packs recommended for the spot where there is inflammation
Pour lukewarm water on your feet to relax muscles
Massage your feet. Roll your foot from heel to toe over a tennis ball or baseball
Elevate your feet above the rest of your body, that will help to decrease the day’s swelling.
It's extremely important that we take care of your feet if we want them to take care of us.
