According to a study conducted by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, standing for long periods of time while at work can have negative impacts on your lower extremities. The study included 14 men and 12 women ages 18-30 and 50-65 years old. All participants performed low intensity tasks, such as using a computer, while standing. The results showed that for much longer than 30 minutes after the work day had ended, significant fatigue to the back, legs, feet and ankles persisted. Overall having a balance between standing and sitting at work can be beneficial for both workers and employers.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.