How To Take Better Care Of Your Feet When Your Job Requires You To Stand All Day

Working at a job that requires you to stand all day can be pretty hard on your feet. It's not uncommon to come home at the end of the day with sore, aching feet and ankles -- and you may even develop more serious injuries like plantar fasciitis and bunions. While the best thing for your feet is probably not to stand all day, this is not always an option. Here are some practical ways to make working on your feet easier on your feet.

Invest in a good pair of shoes.

The difference between a $15 pair of sneakers from the discount store and an $80 pair of shoes from a specialty shoe store is more than $65. Well-made shoes have more padding, so they absorb some of the shock when you walk and take some of the stress of the bones and ligaments in your feet. When you visit the shoe store, let the associates measure your feet to ensure you choose the right size. Try walking in a pair of shoes before you buy them so you can ensure they don't rub or alter your stride too much.

Use orthotic inserts.

Very few people fit perfectly into a pair of shoes off the rack. Orthotic inserts can help improve the fit of your shoes. Purchase orthotics based on the way your shoes currently fit. For instance, if they seem to lack arch support, orthotics with a little material in the arch are a good choice. If you're not sure which style you need, speak to your podiatrist. They can even make custom orthotics for you to help prevent ongoing issues like bunions and Achilles tendinitis from becoming worse.

Massage your feet at the end of the day.

Standing on your feet all day can impede your circulation, leading to inflammation and pain. It's best to alleviate this inflammation and pain at the end of each day rather that letting it continue to build. So, spend a few minutes self-massing your feet each night. This will loosen up the muscles and draw blood back to the area. Apply some oil to your feet so your fingers slide over them easily. Start with long, gentle strokes, and slowly make your movements firmer and more concentrated. Finish with some more long, flowing strokes.

If you do develop any ongoing pain or soreness after spending long days on your feet, seek treatment from a podiatrist, or contact a clinic like Citrus Chiropractic Group.