Working on your feet can take a toll on your feet and ankles. People working in occupations that require a lot of standing or walking, such as hospital staff, retail workers, and service workers, as well as those with factory and construction jobs, are at high risk of suffering from foot and ankle pain.
If you love your job but want to avoid foot and ankle pain, there are steps you can take to minimize podiatry issues. Here are some ideas on how to protect your lower extremities while at work.
Wear shoes that fit well and have good arch support.
The right shoes support your arches and distribute your weight evenly, so that no one part of your foot is absorbing all the force. Flat shoes, while they may look good, are not ideal for occupations that require you to be on your feet all day. In addition, your shoes should be the right fit (not dig into the skin of your foot or push your toes together) and be comfortable. The ideal shoes allow you to be on your feet for extended periods of time without experiencing pain. High heels and other fashionable shoes are never appropriate work shoes.
Frequently move and stretch your feet and ankles.
Stretches help prevent injuries. When the muscles are loose, they are more flexible and less likely to become injured. Even simple foot and ankle stretches that you can do in a couple of minutes can help prevent and ease foot pain. Doing calf raises or wiggling your toes and using the bottom of your foot to roll a ball benefit your feet and ankles. In addition, avoid being stationary the whole day. Try to move by shifting your weight around, elevating your feet, and taking short, frequent walks.
Apply ice to your feet if they feel sore or tired.
Ice not only eases pain but also relieves pain, swelling, and inflammation. These symptoms are most common in those with occupations requiring staying on your feet all day. You can use a cold compress at work, the type with a cooling gel that you put in the freezer. The cold temperature has a numbing effect that helps improve symptoms in the affected foot and ankle. Alternatively, when you get home, dipping your feet in a bucket of ice water for 20 minutes can also help.
If you are suffering from foot and ankle pain due to your occupation, a foot and ankle doctor can provide personalized recommendations that ease pain and prevent it from coming back.
Foot and Ankle Doctor in Naples, FL
Dr. Jaime Weaver is our board-certified podiatrist at the Joint Replacement Institute in southwest Florida. Dr. Weaver is exceptionally skilled in treating all types of foot and ankle issues, from plantar fasciitis to arthritis. The use of custom orthotics can greatly improve the level of comfort you feel while at work.
Dr. Weaver is known for her personable and compassionate approach, treating patients with the utmost respect. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Weaver, call our clinic today at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient online form. We look forward to serving you.
