Foot pain can occur in the workplace for a number of reasons. This is a common complaint to podiatrists that can have a significant impact on your life, especially when it stems from the demands of your workplace. From standing too long or walking for hours at a time, or even sitting all day at a desk job, it’s important to identify not only the causes of your pain, but also ways to manage it.
If you find yourself struggling with carrying out day-to-day tasks and hampering your work activity, learning how to effectively manage foot pain is imperative. Below are some ways you can maintain your foot health while still doing job your job well.
Reasons for Foot Pain in the Workplace
- Prolonged Standing or Walking
There are jobs that require employees to stand or walk for extended periods of time. These can include medical or healthcare workers, retail associates, waitstaff and servers, teachers, and many others.
Prolonged standing and or walking puts continuous pressure on the feet as well as strain on the joints and muscles, leading not only to foot pain, but also fatigue and discomfort. In worst cases, individuals may even develop foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
- Improper Foot Wear
Another cause of foot pain in the workplace may be wearing improper footwear. Shoes that have little to no arch support, lack cushioning, or don’t have a comfortable fit can all lead to foot pain as well. Employees who tend to wear pointed-toe shoes, high heels, and even flat shoes can likewise experience foot pain due to inadequate shock absorption.
- Lack of Ergonomics
Office workers who work from 9-to-5 need an ergonomic workspace in order to function and work properly. Having an incorrect desk position, computer setup, or chair height can put a strain on the joints and feet, as well as result in awkward foot positions and discomfort over time.
Maintaining Optimal Foot Health in the Workplace
Choose the Right Footwear
One of the best ways you can keep foot pain at bay is wearing proper footwear, more so when your job requires you to stand or walk a lot. When choosing your shoes, make sure that it has ample arch support and cushioning so that you can walk comfortably. In addition to these, having a wide toe box also allows your feet to breathe and prevents cramped toes, too.
Take Breaks and Stretch
There are times when sitting or standing for prolonged periods cannot be helped. To alleviate the pain or pressure, taking the time to stretch and perform simple foot exercises is key. Doing so aids in improving your circulation and provides relief to your feet and legs.
Use Orthotics or Inserts
A foot doctor can prescribe or even provide custom orthotics and shoe inserts. These are specialized tools that aid and support the feet to give them more cushioning. At the same time, these devices can help individuals correct any foot conditions or biomechanical issues they may have, allowing them to work comfortably throughout the day.
Employ an Ergonomic Workspace Setup
If you work at the office, building an ergonomic workspace can do wonders for your body and feet. Make sure that your desk, chair, and computer setup promotes not only good posture, but also ensures that your feet rest at a nice and comfortable angle.
Consult a Podiatrist
There may be underlying reasons why your feet hurt in the workplace. If your foot pain persists or worsens over time, reach out to a podiatrist right away. These professionals can examine and diagnose the cause of your pain and even recommend custom treatments.
If you’re unsure what to choose or where to start, even when it comes to picking the right shoes, don’t hesitate to consult your trusted podiatrist Baltimore MD. These experts are well-equipped to guide you not only in choosing shoes that fit your needs, but also ones that address your foot concerns, gait, and many others. These professionals can also provide therapy as well as walk you through guided exercises.
The Bottom Line
Managing foot pain in the workplace can be possible with these strategies. By working with a podiatrist in your area, you can improve your quality of life and maintain productivity in the workplace.
