Foot Problems In The Work Place
No one is talking about our feet anymore. When the job asks for it, we use our feet a lot. They take a beating. For example, if you're a nurse or an office worker, or even in retail, you spend a lot of time on your feet. When you're not running around doing your job, then your feet are absorbing up to three times your weight while you are standing still. Your feet are the foundation of your body, so they shouldn't be taken for granted.
There are plenty of hazardous conditions that affect the feet, and when that happens, the effect is felt everywhere else too. Extreme heat, wet conditions, and slippery floors can cause foot problems. And foot problems can lead to time off work.
Podiatrists are an important part of the healthcare system. Working with injured workers, they recognise and diagnose the cause of foot-related injuries and offer personalised treatment plans to help achieve a pain-free lifestyle, improving your work-life and improving your overall health and happiness.
The Most Common Work-related Foot Problems?
Working on your feet all day can cause many foot problems. Some of these problems include stress fractures, sprains, strains, corns, and ingrown toenails.
Wearing the wrong shoes can also worsen the problem. Pain in the ball of your foot, arch pain or heel can be caused by muscle strain and your shoes not providing you with adequate support to your arches and heels.
What Are The Risk Factors Of These Injuries?
Being on your feet for excessive periods of time
If you have been standing for extended periods of time, pressure can be forced into the balls of your feet. This can lead to foot, back, and knee pain. Shoes with built-in arch support are the best solution because they alleviate the pressure put on your the balls of your feet, provide better stability on slippery surfaces, and are safer overall.
Hard surfaces
When you wear hard-soled shoes or flat shoes, it puts stress on your entire body. Don't wear them all day walking on concrete. You'll just end up with leg and foot pain when you get home. Shoes with cushioned soles and orthotics are great for reducing pain and fatigue in your feet, legs, lower back, hips, and knees.
Unsupportive footwear
We wear our shoes every day, and yet we don't take the time to research our options. The wrong shoes can lead to injury, discomfort, and impaired functioning. If a shoe is too tight, it can cut off circulation and cause a lot of discomfort. A shoe that is too big or too loose will make it harder to perform high-intensity activities. Wearing high heels might change your stride, and wearing them regularly can even shorten the muscles in your calves. High heels could also lead to corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, and nerve and ligament damage. All of these irritations can lead to worse problems - like clicking knees, hips, or spine.
Reducing The Risks
Wearing correct & supportive footwear
Footwear varies from person to person because people have different preferences. One shoe may be perfect for one person but entirely wrong for another. It's good to have a range of options available that will prevent your feet from getting cold, wet, or suffering any discomfort.
What to wear at work
Wearing comfortable and supportive safety boots or shoes in the workplace is essential if there is potential for injury. Ensure that your shoes fit correctly. Measuring your feet is essential to find the best shoe for you. You can measure your feet in length, width, and depth to ensure that you get the right size. Your feet should feel comfortable and have good arch support to reduce discomfort and prevent injury. A shoe with laces, straps, or buckles will ensure that the foot stays in the shoe.
Change position regularly
Keeping your muscles mobile is essential to avoid stiffness. Taking a break every few minutes will give your pressure points a rest. It is just as important to move around as it is to take regular intervals and rest from sitting. To ensure that one muscle group isn't carrying more strain than the other, make sure you regularly change positions.
Take care of your feet at home
Good foot hygiene is essential in preventing foot problems. All you have to do is wash your feet with soap every night and apply a soothing moisturiser. Trim your toenails regularly, ensuring not to cut them too short; they should be level with the end of your toe and cut straight to avoid ingrown toenails. Also, make sure to inspect your feet for any corns, calluses or cuts.
What can a podiatrist do for you?
Podiatrists are specialised, licensed health professionals that work with children and adults with a wide range of conditions and issues. These include surgery on broken bones, fungus treatments, and more.
As employers, it is our responsibility to ensure that employees are healthy and safe. By investing in occupational health benefits, we can reduce the risk of injury. For example, podiatric treatment for occupational health can include:
We assess your walking gait to check your posture and how your lower limbs and spine are functioning. We can pinpoint any problems that might be causing pain. Once we understand these issues and take a look at your lifestyle, we can create a personalised treatment plan just for you.
Managing existing injuries
Our feet take a lot of abuse. If you've ever walked on them for too long, or ran a marathon, you'll know how sore they can get. At The Foot Lab Glossop, we can offer you various treatments to help alleviate foot pain and provide support with any discomfort you may be experiencing. Many different types of injuries may require a sports massage to improve performance. However, some would benefit from corrective exercise routines and stretches.
Finding appropriate footwear
Shoes are a must-have, and they're not just important for fashion or comfort. Some people have to wear safety or protective shoes to work due to their jobs. It's important to stay on top of your health and wellness so we can provide you with the best footwear.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.