Aged people are more susceptible to foot/leg injuries from excessive standing because their tissues (ligaments, tendons, cartilage, fascia) lose elasticity and shock absorbency.
Food courts at malls, outdoor picnic tables, water fountains, or even some clean grass under a tree are all good places to take a load off and enjoy your lunch.
While on your break, consider rolling your bare feet over a golf ball. It will feel great, relieve some tension in the soles of your feet and maybe even help prevent plantar fasciitis (pain and inflammation of the connective tissue covering the bottom of your feet). [1] X Research source
Concrete and ceramic tile will easily transfer cold to your feet which is not good for blood circulation, so stand in warmer areas without cool drafts. If you work outside, find some grass to stand on while plying your trade or waiting for the next task.
Thick anti-fatigue mats can be a minor hazard at the workplace if people trip over them, so always be aware of where your mat and those of your co-workers are located.
Some businesses that sell carpet will give you a decent sized sample (big enough to stand on) for free. Make sure the underneath side of the carpet doesn’t slide too readily on the floor, or else you’re at high risk to slip and fall.
Get fitted for your shoes by a shoe salesperson later in the day because that’s when your feet are at their largest, usually due to swelling and slight compression of your arches. [3] X Research source Sacrificing style and fashion for practicality is the best strategy when shopping for work shoes. Always opt for shoes that support your foot arch and have an optimal inner lining to absorb shock and stress.
Wearing completely level shoes is not the answer either, because too much pressure is put on the heel, so wear shoes that are elevated in the heel by about 1/4 or 1/2 inch. Most athletic or walking shoes with wide toe caps are good choices if you must stand for hours at a time at your job.
Pronation is much more common in obese people and often coincides with flat feet. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Compression stockings are particularly important for people who have venous insufficiency (leaky vein valves) or inflamed varicose veins. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Thick, well padded socks are helpful if you experience heel pain while standing. Look into other options for repairing damaged veins.
Always dry your feet thoroughly before you get up and walk away from your foot bath in order to prevent slipping and falling. Epsom salt baths are thought to be helpful for alleviating restless leg syndrome at night, which negatively impacts sleep cycles.
Stretch the calf muscles by leaning against a wall with one knee bent and the other leg straight out behind you with both feet flat on the floor — hold for 30 seconds and repeat a few times. Stretch the bottom of your foot by wrapping a towel around the end of your toes and then trying to extend your leg — hold for 30 seconds and repeat of few times.
It’s estimated that about 2 million people require treatment for plantar fasciitis in the United States every year. You may have to buy shoes a little bigger than you normally would in order to accommodate the orthotics.
Most people who are relatively sedentary only require about 2,000 calories per day to maintain their body processes and have enough energy for mild levels of exercise. Reducing your calorie intake by 500 calories daily will result in about 4 pounds of fat tissue loss per month.
