Do you spend long periods of time standing as part of your job or your daily activities? People who work in retail, healthcare or teaching often spend a lot of time on their feet and this can lead to foot pain and discomfort. If this sounds familiar, read on for our top tips on staying comfortable throughout the day and helping your feet to feel good for longer.
Here at Foot Solutions, our experienced staff know how important it is for your feet to feel great all day long and can help you to find the best solutions for your unique lifestyle. Wearing shoes that fit you correctly and give your feet the space and support they need can transform the way your body feels, and we will share our best advice here for you.
Are you on your feet all day?
There are many jobs that involve spending a great deal of time on your feet and this can cause fatigue as well as discomfort in the feet and legs. It may affect your circulation and can cause swelling in the feet and ankles, especially if the weather is warm. Your joints come under significant pressure if you are constantly on your feet, and you may notice that you have recurring pain in your knees, hips or lower back.
Many people are aware that back pain can result from standing for long periods of time but do not realise that painful foot conditions such as hammertoe and plantar fasciitis can also be caused by this, especially if you are wearing shoes that cannot provide the support your feet need. The good news is that there are several measures you can take to make your feet more comfortable, and these should solve the problem for you. If you still experience discomfort, pain or swelling in the feet, you should consult a doctor or podiatrist for further help.
How to protect your feet
Keeping your feet comfortable all day long doesn’t have to be challenging. There are many ways to alleviate the pressure on your feet and keep them feeling fresh. Maintaining good foot health can have an impact on your general health and enable you to stay active, so these simple steps can be life-changing. We recommend:
- Supportive shoes. Good shoes can make a huge difference to the way your feet feel and can help to keep you comfortable while you are standing for long periods of time. The right footwear will absorb shock and give you good arch support, allowing your feet to expand and breathe. You should avoid high heeled shoes, which can crush the toes together and put pressure on the bones and joints, and you should have your shoes fitted by a professional to ensure that they support your feet in all the right places.
- Changing your socks. This simple tip can be a game changer: we recommend changing your socks midway through the day or through your shift. This is a very simple way to keep your feet feeling fresh and can transform your comfort levels in just a few seconds. We also suggest trying flight socks or compression socks, as these can help to improve your circulation when you are on your feet all day. You can try short or long compression socks, and these will help to improve blood flow in your feet and legs, which can reduce swelling and prevent varicose veins.
- Use custom orthotics. If you’ve never tried precision-tailored orthotics, you may be surprised at the significant difference they can make to your feet when you are standing all day. Insoles may help your feet to feel more comfortable and give you more support while you are standing, but using precision-tailored orthotics, which have been designed to fit your unique foot shape, can totally transform the way your feet move and the position they hold in your shoes. For instance, if your feet tend to over-pronate, or roll in, when you walk, custom orthotics can provide support in all the right places to correct this and support a healthier gait.
- Find safety boots/shoes that work for you. If you must wear safety boots or shoes for work, you should take care to find a pair that fit you well and do not put your feet under additional pressure. Emma work boots and shoes (which we carry in store) are designed to be the lightest and most supportive on the market and we are impressed with the way these can protect the feet without causing further stress. You can improve the fit and comfort further by using insoles that are designed to work with these boots and shoes, and these are made in line with industry standards to ensure safety and comfort.
- Stretch your feet. If you are spending a long time standing or walking around during the day, taking a few minutes out to stretch the feet and legs can be very helpful. You can reset your comfort levels and improve your flexibility by stretching out the hamstrings, the calves and the toes several times a day. You can try tapping the toes or rolling the feet, and simply taking the shoes off and spreading the toes or using them to pick up small items from the floor can improve blood flow and increase your flexibility. Taking a moment to rest and elevate your feet during the day can also make a huge difference, giving your circulation a chance to recover from prolonged standing.
- Allow yourself to recover after work. It’s a good idea to support your well-being and your foot health by giving yourself a chance to recover after your working day. Give yourself some time to lie down and elevate your feet above your heart in order to restore your circulation and reduce swelling in the lower limbs. You should do this for at least a few minutes before you begin your evening routine or go out, to give your body – and especially your feet – a chance to reset. Ensuring that you drink plenty of water can help to improve your circulation and alleviate fatigue, and you may find that soaking your feet in a footbath makes a big difference to the way they feel and freshens you up, especially if you are going out after work. A quick foot massage will make your feet feel much better, and you can try using ice to reduce swelling or a foam roller or tennis ball to ease out sore muscles in your feet and legs and help you to recover more quickly.
Choosing new shoes
Choosing new footwear can be a challenge, especially if you are tempted by a particular style that does not feel comfortable on your feet. It is important to prioritise comfort and at Foot Solutions, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. You should have your feet measured by a professional and take advice on the shoes that will support you best, and this may include using precision-tailored orthotics to improve the position of the foot and increase your comfort levels. It’s also a good idea to rotate shoes instead of wearing the same pair each day, giving your shoes a chance to air between wears.
You should always shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet have naturally expanded, and you should ensure that the shoes you choose will allow your feet to breathe. Wearing the right shoes for exercise will help to protect the feet and cushion them against shock and ensuring that your feet are aligned correctly inside your shoes will make all the difference. Don’t forget that the socks you wear can also transform the way your feet feel and help you to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Find Stylish, Comfortable Shoes at Foot Solutions In Ireland
At Foot Solutions, we know what a difference good footwear can make, and we have a great selection of work shoes, training shoes, casual shoes and boots. Our friendly team can offer services such as gait analysis and precision-tailored orthotics to ensure that your feet are properly supported and cared for. We can also offer advice and support in treating existing foot pain and preparing your feet for extraordinary challenges.
Just pop in and visit us in one of our stores across Ireland to find out more about keeping your feet in great shape and we’ll show you our full range of shoes and find the best fit for you. We know that the right footwear can improve your foot health and your general health, and we are always happy to help you find the best solutions for you and your lifestyle.
