Keeping your feet healthy at work

Work is something that, unfortunately, none of us can avoid!

Whether you’re an office worker who sits at a desk for 8 hours in front of a computer or a tradie who works on site, both can have health implications on our body and feet. From circulation and posture problems, through to lower back and heel pain – we wanted to provide you with a few tips to try and keep these issues at bay.

Simple Ways You Can Keep Your Feet Healthy

1. Make sure you are wearing the right shoes

No matter where you work – the right show is imperative.

Many people wear shoes that are too small. This cuts off circulation to your feet, increases your chances of blisters, and makes walking or standing uncomfortable, if not unbearable. Getting your feet properly sized can help you make better decisions when it comes to purchasing shoes and reducing discomfort.

If you are standing all day, arch support is very important to help reduce sore legs and feet. Of course, if you are working on a job site – don’t forget those steep caps!

2. Adding some stretches to your day

Sitting all day can create stiff muscles and in time this can affect your overall posture. Remember to stop every hours to stretch, relax, and lengthen tightened muscles.

One of the best exercise we find is a calf raise, this stretch helps pump blood out of the foot (where it has pooled while you were standing) and back to the body.

If you’d like to watch a calf raise click here.

3. Pay attention to how you stand and walk

Good posture will help you feel better and avoid injury in general. Remember to keep your back straight and your head up so your shoulders are not slouched. Also try to always walk from heel to toe and without plunking down your feet.

4. Giving your feet some love in your down time

When you get home from work, it’s important to show your feet some love to help recover from a tough day.

Simple things you can do include:

• Icing your feet – If your feet are sore and aching pop them in a shallow bucket of ice water for up to 20 minutes to reduce any swelling that you’ve got.
• A foot massage – Give your feet (or even better get your partner) to give your feet a quick rub to loosen up all the massages and joints.
• Raise them up – One easy way to reduce swollen feet is to lie back with your feet elevated on the couch or up against a wall.

 

If you have any ongoing pain or issues with your feet caused by your work, remember to give us a call and let us help you get pain free as soon as possible. Contact us today