Posted 4 Oct '21

Foot Problems From Standing

Standing still for too long can cause more problems than if you were active for the same amount of time. Many job sectors mean you have to stand for hours; retail, restaurant, medical, manual, and factory. The bad news is that these roles often can’t be changed or adjusted, but the good news is that we have some advice on ways to reduce the impact on your legs and feet from standing too long.

 
Here’s a bit of biology to explain why standing still causes so many problems. Your heart pumps blood around your body; your feet are the furthest away, so it takes a lot of effort to get the blood back up your legs to your heart. Normal movement of your body helps the blood to be pushed up your legs. If you are standing still for long periods, there is little movement, so the blood flow is reduced, it causes swelling and aching in your feet and legs. Below are some of the effects on your musculoskeletal and vascular systems.

Ways to reduce

1. Invest in quality footwear—supportive and cushioned shoes. If you are wearing heels, try lower ones. When buying these shoes, shop in the afternoons when your feet are at their largest. Choose shoes with laces so that you can ease the pressure when your feet do start to swell.
2. Fit some suitable arch support insoles into your shoes; these support your feet in the proper alignment meaning your muscles do not have to work as hard.
3. Compression socks help the blood flow back to your heart.
4. Keep your feet in optimum condition with these Toe-ga exercises.
5. Switch positions frequently. Sway slightly or do some heel raises to keep your muscles moving.
6. Take a break, and sit down for 20 minutes.
7. Chat to a podiatrist for advice tailored to you.

Ways to relieve

1. Elevate your feet when you get home. Popping your feet up on a cushion on a stool to get your feet above your heart will mean your veins won’t have to work as hard.
2. Do these Toe-ga exercises.
3. Enjoy an Epsom salt bath; it helps alleviate muscle tension.

Feeling shattered after a long day at work is normal, but the pain isn’t. There is no need to suffer from foot, leg or back pain from standing up for hours. Not when there are so many things we can do to prevent it. If you are currently struggling with pain, book in for our shockwave, laser therapy, exercise advice and more to help reduce the pain.