Spending most of the day standing or walking can do more than leave you tired; it can lead to chronic foot and leg pain, joint issues, and even circulation problems. Ignoring early signs of discomfort can result in long-term health issues. Understanding what causes this pain, and how to treat it, is the first step toward feeling better.
Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, retail worker, tradesperson, or anyone else who stays upright for a living, those little aches and pains are worth paying attention to. Catching them early can make a big difference in how you feel now and in the long run.
Why Your Feet and Legs Hurt After Standing All Day
Understanding where your pain is coming from makes it easier to find the right solution. Most foot and leg problems from prolonged standing fall into one of these three categories:
Muscle and Joint Strain
- Often caused by repetitive stress on your muscles and joints
- Can lead to conditions like Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, or arthritis
Circulation Issues
- Prolonged standing can make blood flow returning to the heart slowed & create leg health concerns
- May cause swelling, varicose veins, or a condition called chronic venous insufficiency
Skin and Nail Problems
- Pressure and friction in footwear can cause corns, calluses, cracked heels, and ingrown toenails
- May also arise from Ill-fitting shoes or poor foot hygiene, which can exacerbate problems.
5 Ways to Care for Your Lower Legs and Feet
Taking care of your feet and legs doesn’t have to be complicated. Focusing on these five areas can make a big difference in how you feel at the end of the day, and help prevent future problems:
- Are special shoe inserts made to fit your feet and correct imbalances
- Improve conditions such as flat feet, high arches, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis
- Corrects alignment, ease joint stress, and reduce pain in your feet, knees, and back
- Provide better shock absorption and can distribute pressure evenly
- Are key for managing tired feet, bunions, hammertoes, and ball-of-foot pain
- Can prevent blisters, calluses, and other skin problems
- Apply gentle pressure to improve blood flow in your legs
- Are great for reducing swelling, tiredness, and varicose veins
- Can be especially helpful after long shifts on your feet
- Help to stabilize sore or weak joints
- Are often used for ankle sprains, knee arthritis, or Achilles tendon pain
- Reduce strain and help prevent further injury
- Nurse/Chiropody treatments help to keep your skin and nails healthy
- Can address issues like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or cracked heels
- Essential for people with diabetes or poor circulation
How BioPed Can Help
Canadian Certified Pedorthists at BioPed are trained in lower extremity mechanics. They’ll help identify the source of your discomfort and work with you to find the right solution. Here’s how they can help:
- Assess how you walk, stand, and move to better understand your needs
- Design and fit custom orthotics to address pain or prevent injury
- Recommend proper footwear, orthopedic braces, and compression gear
- Refer you to a Foot Care Nurse or Chiropodist for medical foot treatments
With the right support, you can stay active and comfortable, even if your job keeps you on your feet all day.
