By Rehan Iqbal
As humans, our lives typically cycle through lying down, sitting, standing, and walking. If you spend a lot of your day standing, you may experience musculo-skeletal pain if you don’t have the right support. There may not be one-size-fits-all solution to the discomfort you get from standing on a hard surface all day, but what we can do is brief you on some of the best options out there. Feel free to take a minute to read about each one so that you can have a better understanding on what may work for you.
Tips on Avoiding Pain and Fatigue Due to Standing all Day
Anti-Fatigue Mats
Who they may benefit
Anti-fatigue mats are a great option for those who stand in one position all day. As studies have recently shown, standing up at a desk is so much healthier than sitting down all day. If you are someone who stands up all day typing at your computer, or a stay-at-home parent who spends a lot of time in front of the stove or at the sink, an anti-fatigue mat may be a great choice for you.
Who they may not benefit
Anti-fatigue mats aren’t the best options for those who move around a lot during the day. It could be quite a hassle to have to move a bulky mat around all day to every spot you go if you do a fair share of walking and standing. For nurses, retail stockers, dog walkers etc. the mats are clearly not a good fit.
What to look for
One of the most popular trends for those who spend all day standing on hard floors are memory foam mats. It is important to find a mat that is sturdy and firm, but still comfortable. You want to feel like your feet are being cushioned, but you want to be able to maintain your stability while standing. Mats that have a beveled edge are also good because you are less likely to trip while walking over them. The beveled edges also will keep them from curling up on the sides. When shopping you’ll want to look at reviews to see which ones are known for being durable and having the right amount of cushioning.
Compression Socks
Who they may benefit
Compression socks can benefit almost anyone who stands all day and works on a concrete floor or any other hard surface. Many people think of compression socks as white cotton knee high tubes socks bought at the pharmacy, but there are plenty on the market today that are more stylish and are more functional. Compression socks can be used in conjunction with either of the other two solutions listed in this article for maximum comfort.
Who they may not benefit
There are just a few careers that come to mind that may not be able to take advantage of compression socks. If you work as yoga instructor or in a career that requires you to be barefoot compression socks might not work for you; also if you work in an office that has a strict dress code compression socks may not be your best bet.
What to look for
If you feel compression socks are a viable option to keeping your feet comfortable while at work, shop for pairs that do more than just improve circulation. Even though good circulation is important, you need more than that to keep away foot and joint pain. Look for socks that offer mid-foot support too. Compression that begins mid-foot will support your plantar ligaments, heels, and arches as you stand.
Shoe Inserts
Who they may benefit
Shoe inserts can benefit anyone who wears shoes to work, so almost everyone can use shoe inserts! People who work on hard wood or concrete floors all day can slip the inserts inside their shoes to give their feet the extra padding and support they need to stay comfortable.
Who they may not benefit
Jobs that require you to go shoe-less or barefoot are few, but they do exist. Life guards, yoga instructors, and swimming instructors will have to spend all day standing up or a lot of their work day on their feet and may only be able to go barefoot or wear flip-flops.
What to look for
If you are looking for inserts to make your work day more comfortable, it’s good to know how your feet are made. For example, knowing if you have high or low arches and understanding where you put most of your weight as you stand will help you find the right insert. Many shoe stores now offer foot mappings as well as orthopedists. Getting the right type of shoe insert is key to staying comfortable while standing all day on hard floors.
How Can These Solutions Help?
When your feet aren’t properly supported you can feel aches and pains even after you are done standing up. It’s common for those who don’t get the right support while standing for long periods of time on concrete floors to experience pain in their feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Our feet are the foundation for the rest of our musculo-skeletal system, so when they aren’t cared for properly they can throw other bones, muscles, and joints out of whack too.
If you’ve tried these solutions as well as habitually wearing supportive shoes and still aren’t getting relief, talk with your doctor. He may be able to give you a better diagnosis of what is causing your pain and how to make it better.
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