Standing on the Job? 4 Tips for Fighting Foot Pain

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If you’ve got a job that involves a lot of standing, chances are you’re going to experience some aches and pains in your feet. Many hours spent “vertical” on the job equals many hours during which your feet are supporting the full weight of your body. Feet - and ankles - can get really stressed if you’re a nurse, hair stylist, retail salesperson, line cook, waiter, bartender, carpenter, cashier, or any number of other professions that require a lot of standing.

There are ways, however, to fight back when foot pain threatens to ruin your workday. Here are 4 suggestions for relieving foot and ankle soreness from the board-certified podiatrists at Monmouth County’s Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center - Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka:

1.       Wear the right shoes. We can’t say it enough: wear shoes that fit properly, provide adequate support and cushioning, and give you enough room in the toe area. This is essential advice for all of our patients, especially for those who spend most of the day on their feet.

2.       Wear orthotics. If we’ve prescribed orthotic inserts to provide extra support or correct a biomechanical issue, then wear them. If you haven’t got custom inserts, consider an over-the-counter variety to address any chronic pain. If you’re not sure if an orthotic is right for you, make an appointment with us for a full exam and recommendation.

3.       Take time to stretch. Throughout the workday, vary your position. Use a stool at your workstation, if possible. Take breaks about every 30 minutes to sit down, stretch your feet, and rotate your ankles.

4.       Treat your feet when work is done. At the end of the day, take time to soak your feet in a warm bath of Epsom salts. Massage the bottoms of your feet by rolling them back and forth over a tennis ball or frozen water bottle.

Using these 4 methods to fight foot pain is also an excellent way to prevent the onset of more serious issues such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and heel spurs. If foot pain becomes chronic and interferes with your daily life, call us at our offices in Howell or Jackson, New Jersey at (732) 905-1110 or visit us online.