Are you a doctor, nurse, hairdresser, or salesman? If you answered yes, you might believe that your job protects you against obesity, the century’s curse that is linked to the main causes of mortality worldwide! It could be true because sitting jobs are blamed for increasing the risks of obesity and many diseases, but standing, or in other words, “your profession,” lowers your risks. But nothing is flawless! Standing all day results in sore feet and considerable agony at the end of your shift.

Does standing all day cause any problems?

In fact, standing all day can lead to many foot problems, such as:

• Morton’s neuroma, which usually affects the area between the third and fourth toes. It causes swelling and pain. Whereas, if the pain is severe, it may cause tingling, numbness, and burning in the toes.
• Plantar fasciitis, which causes severe pain in the heel of the foot, especially upon standing after rest, and is common among people who work in jobs that require walking or standing for long periods.
• Fatigue, fatigue, and pain in many areas of the body that can occur as a result of standing for long periods without moving, even for brief intervals of up to 30 minutes.

Is there a cure?

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem; you will need to see a doctor for the right treatment for your condition, which can range from using cold packs to surgery in certain circumstances, but in most cases, you will need to rest.

Tips to reduce the problems of standing for long periods

Move whenever you can. Also, keep in mind that wearing ill-fitting shoes may cause many foot problems. So proper fitting shoes are essential for providing your feet with the care they need while preventing injury.

How do you choose the right shoe?

• It is important to have the right size of shoes, you should make sure to measure your feet every time because sizes can vary even in adulthood.
• The podiatrist at Health and Style Medical Center may recommend insoles or orthotics to help with your foot problem.
• Try to avoid wearing open shoes for long periods. They are not supportive and provide little protection for your feet.
• Make sure that the shoes fit the shape of your feet.

You can find more shoe-selecting tips here.

So, when do you consult a doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• The discomfort is persistent and does not go away after a few weeks of rest or taking painkillers.
• There is significant swelling, inflammation, or stiffness in the foot or heel.
• Pain that impairs your ability to walk or move.