Protect Your Feet at Work

Blisters, swelling, aching feet, shin splints, heel spurs – ouch! If you work on your feet all day, these problems might be familiar to you. Fortunately, there are ways we can all protect our feet at work.

It is common to develop foot problems at work. Some are caused by slipping or falling, or from injuries such as sprains and cuts. Then there are those caused by long periods of standing, and from poorly fitted or inappropriate footwear.

 

What is the problem with standing?

Our feet are designed for mobility, which is why standing for long periods can be so tiring. Standing for hours, day after day, not only tires you out but can lead to aching and swollen feet, varicose veins, swelling of legs, general muscular fatigue, plantar fasciitis (causing pain on the bottom of your feet) and even damaged joints.

The surface you are standing on makes a difference, too. Hard or uneven surfaces such as concrete can lead to significantly more wear and tear on your feet, ankles and lower legs.

If you can, change your body posture regularly, and sit down if you have the chance. Swapping your posture increases the number of muscles you use, putting less strain on individual muscles and joints used to maintain a standing position.


The right shoes for the job

Shoes play a vital role in supporting your feet, as well as in protecting them from external dangers. Some occupations need specific footwear for safety reasons, such as steel caps or chemical resistant material. As a general guideline, you should look for shoes with the following:

  • A well-padded sole – to absorb and reduce pressure on the feet.
  • A heel less than 2.5cm high – high heels increase the pressure on the ball of the foot.
  • Material that breathes – fungal infections like tinea thrive in warm, moist environments. Leather is preferred for shoe uppers, with synthetic or rubber best for the sole as they are often more durable, shock absorbent and provide better grip.
  • Laces, straps or buckles to secure shoes to your feet, so you are not ‘clawing’ your toes to keep them on.
  • Plenty of room. Your toes should not touch the end of your shoes or you can damage your nails and toes. For this reason, it is best to shop for shoes in the afternoon as most feet tend to swell during the day.