Collaborative Post
The last thing you want to do is deal with occupational health issues. Your job is meant to help you live; it’s not meant to hurt you or, worse, kill you. There are some jobs where you have no choice, but you need to be on your feet all day. Just as office jobs can be known for increasing some health risks, jobs, where you’re on your feet all day (like nurses, delivery workers, and waiters, for example) can cause some issues too- especially with the feet.
Just think about it: have there ever been days where your feet are just in excruciating pain because you literally couldn’t get a break in your schedule or even a chance to sit down for rest? Sometimes, that’s the reality, no matter how unfair it might even be.
But regardless of your job, you still have to make room for being healthy and avoiding injuries. Yes, of course, it’s easier said than done, but there are a few ways to outright avoid any potential injuries or health issues down the road. So, here’s what you need to know!
Start Investing in Supportive Footwear
It’s not just about picking a pair of comfortable or even stylish tennis shoes. These shoes need to be supportive and help your posture, foot alignment, and even toe placement! Plus, the shoes you wear can even impact your back. Proper footwear is crucial for maintaining comfort and minimizing strain on your feet, legs, and back. Again, it’s not just about putting on a pair of comfortable sneakers; it seriously has to go beyond that.
You’re going to want to look into investing in high-quality, supportive shoes that provide adequate arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption (this especially). It’s going to help to look for options specifically designed for prolonged standing or walking and consider custom orthotic inserts (like Dr.Scholls) for additional support and comfort.
You Have the Right to Take Breaks
You have a legal right to take breaks, so take them! You’re not helping yourself if all you do is stand on your feet and work. If you are taking breaks, are you actually sitting when taking them? You need to give your feet and legs a chance to rest and recover. Ideally, try to aim to take short breaks every hour to stretch or elevate your feet if possible.
You also need to remember that you need to use these breaks as an opportunity to shift your weight, change positions, and alleviate any pressure points or discomfort. The lack of breaks and movement throughout other parts of your body is one of the major causes of occupational health issues. Know your rights, and take breaks when necessary!
Practice Footcare
While good shoes and breaks are important for good foot care (and preventing flat feet in the future), they aren’t the only things to keep in mind. Standard foot care also needs to be considered. General foot care can help prevent common foot problems such as blisters, corns, calluses, and fungal infections. You might not even need to worry about non surgical ingrown toenail treatment if you’re practicing solid foot care either.
For example, if you keep your feet well-moisturized, clean, and trimmed toenails and dry (with the help of moisture-wicking socks), then these alone can keep your feet feeling nice and clean. You don’t have to do Epsom salt foot baths, get a foot massage (as nice as they are), or even pedicures; standard foot care can honestly be enough to ensure that your feet are healthy.