Depending on what line of work you’re in, there’s a chance you’re on your feet for 8-10 hours a day at your job, and odds are you’re also somewhat active when you’re off the clock, meaning you may spend more than half the day on your feet. Standing in and of itself is not usually a stressful activity, but if you’re required to stand for extended periods each day, this prolonged pressure can cause some foot pain. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the ways to stop foot pain when standing all day.
Preventing Foot Pain While Standing
There are a number of little things you can do to help alleviate this prolonged pressure or make it easier for your feet to handle this stress and prevent pain. Here are some ways to prevent foot pain if you are standing all day.
Sit – An obvious solution is to sit down for a bit throughout the day, but that’s not always easy depending on your duties. Try to find some time to get off your feet when you’re on break or over lunch, or see if any tasks can be accomplished just as easily from a seated position. Find little ways to sit for a couple minutes throughout the day to give your feet a short rest.
Move – If you can’t sit down, try to avoid standing in one position for an extended period. Move around a bit to help increase blood circulation to your feet. Movement also puts dynamic pressure on your feet instead of static pressure, which means different muscle groups help to support the stress. When you’re standing still, it’s the same exact areas that are handling pressure, and that can overload some areas. Move around a little, and your feet will feel better than if you just stood still.
Comfortable And Supportive Shoe – It’s also imperative that you invest in a comfortable and supportive shoe option. If you know you’re going to be on your feet for a while, strive for function over fashion. Wear a pair of shoes that contours to your foot shape and provides ample support to your heel and arch. If your current shoes aren’t as supportive as you’d like, consider adding an orthotic insert or gel insole to help cushion your foot.
Elevate Your Feet – When you have a chance to sit down or you’re finally back home, elevate your feet. This will help to limit fluid pooling and swelling in the area, which can sometimes contribute to foot discomfort.
Consider Compression Socks – Compression socks exert a little pressure on your foot and ankle area, which helps to open up blood vessels and help with fluid movement in and out of the area.
Strengthening Exercises – When you’re not on the clock, consider adding some strengthening and stretching exercises to your regular routine. If your foot muscles are stronger, they’ll be better able to handle the pressure that you put them under. You can find some exercises that strengthen your feet without bearing full weight on them, which can be helpful if your feet are sore from a long day on your feet! An activity like swimming is a great non-weight bearing activity to strengthen your foot and ankle muscles!
