3 Tips For Reducing Foot Pain When You're On Your Feet All Day
Many occupations require significant standing and walking each day, which can contribute to significant foot pain. If you are employed in a job that is hard on your feet, there are a few ways you can make it through the day with less pain.
Aim For Accurate Sizing
You always need to make sure you are wearing the right size and width shoes, which means you will always need to try on shoes before make the investment. Aim to purchase your next pair of shoes in-person and after work. Since your feet are generally larger as the day goes on, you will have a more accurate idea of how much your shoe size changes if you purchase them after a typical workday. Choose shoe brands and styles that are available in various widths. Women who are allowed to wear casual shoes, such as sneakers, will find men's shoes are generally wider even when they are a standard width. A wider shoe will allow your feet to expand throughout the day without discomfort.
Choose The Right Type Of Shoe
Choosing the right footwear will depend on the type of job you perform and if there are any rules that limit your choice of footwear. Sneakers generally provide the most comfort and support because they are designed with athletics in mind. Additionally, since most sneakers have soft fabric, they are less restrictive than dress shoes or boots. Finding comfortable options is typically harder if you are limited to wearing steel-toe boots or other rugged shoes. Fortunately, there may be options beyond the traditional brown, steel-toe boot that will provide you with more comfort while keeping your feet protected. Look for options often sold as hiking footwear because you may find more style variations, such as ones that resemble sneakers, but they have toe protection.
Add Extra Protection
Extra protection can come in the form of additions to your work environment or shoe inserts. For example, some people who work in a warehouse at a designated station can have mats to stand on, which are often marketed as anti-fatigue mats. These mats have extra cushion which can help with shock-absorption when you are standing in the same place for many hours each day. Not only can they reduce foot pain, but pain that may occur in your legs and back. If you purchase shoe inserts, it is best to have them custom-made or choose reputable brands that approximate your needs by scanning your foot. Since the type of foot pain you experience will be different based on your unique foot shape and other podiatric concerns, it is difficult to buy an insert off the shelf and expect it to work properly. If you must choose an off-the-shelf insert, buy ones with gel or other "memory." They are more likely to conform to your feet and not cause new problems.
Some types of job inherently contribute to foot pain. Fortunately, the shoes you wear can significantly reduce the amount of pain you experience at the end of the workday.
