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Do you find that your feet or legs hurt from standing during the day? What if your job requires you to stand for long periods of time? The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) states that 2 out of every 3 workers suffer from some type of foot problem! While it’s true that aching feet are a real pain, so are tired legs, and sore joints. There are many “headaches” at work but leg, joint and foot aches shouldn’t be commonplace.

If you are among the many Canadians experiencing ankle, knee, leg or foot pain after a long day standing on your feet, you are not alone. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common causes of work-related illnesses, and 17 percent of these disorders affect the lower limbs.

What problems can occur when your feet or legs hurt from standing?

When your feet or legs hurt from standing for long periods of time, this can lead to other issues, such as:

  • Varicose veins
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Low back pain
  • Muscle soreness & fatigue
  • Ankle, knee or hip arthritis
  • Bunions
  • Ball of foot pain
  • Swollen or tired feet & legs
  • Inflamed achilles tendon (tendonitis)
  • Poor circulation and swelling in feet & legs

Here are some tips you can try the next time your feet or legs hurt from standing

  • Compression stockings, elevating your feet and stretching can help relieve tired, achy legs. The following stretch is a safe and effective way to pump blood out of your legs and back to your heart. Part of the reason we get tired, achy legs is that blood pools in your legs when standing still (thanks a lot, gravity!) and causes painful swelling. If possible, do this stretch ten times for each foot, every hour while standing.
    foot-stretch-back-and-forthThis can be done discreetly, while you balance on one foot, point your toes on the opposite foot toward your nose, then toward the floor so that you feel your calf muscle contract. If balance is an issue, you can use a nearby counter/surface and raise up onto your toes (both feet at the same time) and lower.
  • Reduce joint stress and muscle strain by wearing properly fitting footwear with a heel of less than 2” and use a cushion under your feet, such as an anti-fatigue mat or rubber shoe soles.
  • Use foot industry gadgets made for specific problems. For example, devices such as bunion guards, combined with the right shoes, can rid you of the pain associated with a bony bunion.
  • Custom orthotics can better support your arch, if you suffer from high or low arches.
  • Inquire with your local BioPed Footcare Clinic about braces for knee or ankle pain.