Many individuals in the workforce must spend the vast majority of their shift standing on their feet. For example, by nature of their jobs, food servers, hairdressers, retail workers, and others must be on their feet throughout most of the day. This can put these workers at a greater risk of experiencing foot pain and developing bothersome foot conditions. However, if you are one such worker that spends the majority of your day on your feet, there are a number of steps you can take to mitigate any stress or pressure you are exerting on your feet. First, you can be diligent about selecting the right pair of work shoes. Look for shoes or work boots that provide extra support and cushioning, particularly for the arches, ankles, and joints. Additionally, you might also try to find a pair of supportive work socks with a large density of cotton content. This can provide extra support to the insoles of your feet. Lastly, to ensure that you are taking care of your feet while on the clock, you might consider taking twenty minutes or so after every shift to roll out your feet with a cool water bottle. Using this foot care technique will increase blood flow and circulation throughout the foot and reduce any tension in your foot muscles. See a podiatrist for more tips about how you can protect your feet throughout the work day.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.