If you work in healthcare, retail, construction, or any other industry where you’re constantly on your feet, you’ve probably experienced foot pain after a long day at work. Even if you cannot change your work situation, it’s still possible to treat your aching feet at home.
What Causes Foot Pain From Standing?
Before we discuss how to stop foot pain from standing all day, let’s understand why your feet hurt in the first place.
- Swelling
- Obesity
- Sprains, fractures, and other injuries
- Poor posture
- Pregnancy
- Osteoarthritis
- Standing too long on hard surfaces
- Improper footwear
How to Stop Foot Pain From Standing All Day
Whatever the reason for your pain, you can relieve your discomfort with the following remedies.
Warm Foot Baths
Warm water relaxes your feet to decrease soreness, improve circulation, and promote restful sleep. You can even add Epsom salt to relax your muscles and prevent foot odor. Unlike regular table salt, Epsom contains magnesium sulfate which acts as a pain reliever and healing agent. Here’s how to prepare a foot soak:
- Fill your basin with enough lukewarm water to cover your ankles.
- Add half a cup of Epsom salt.
- Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes.
- Dry your feet and clean the basin to prevent bacteria accumulation.
Stretch
Your muscles are bound to tighten from standing all day. Stretching relieves muscle tension to increase flexibility, strengthen your feet, and minimize the risk of injury. The good news is you don’t need advanced equipment to perform stretching exercises. Here are some activities you can try after soaking your feet in warm water:
- Marble pickups to strengthen the muscles below your feet and toes
- Golf ball rolls to relieve arch tightness
- Toe curls to strengthen your flexor muscles
- Achilles stretch to ease foot and ankle tightness
- Using resistance bands to stretch your heels
Buy Comfortable Shoes
Besides being well-fitting, your shoes should be flexible enough to bend with your feet’s natural movement. Additionally, get the right footwear for every activity. For instance, wear sneakers for your workouts, making sure to replace them every 300-500 miles.
Another tip on how to stop foot pain from standing all day is investing in orthotics for better arch and heel support. While you can buy one-size-fits-all insoles over the counter, custom orthotics are durable and tailored to your feet and specific symptoms.
Take Breaks
Sit every few hours to release the pressure on your arches and heels. You can even remove your shoes and massage your toes and the soles of your feet to relieve muscle tightness. Feel free to walk around to enhance blood flow rather than standing in the same spot.
Should I See a Doctor?
Although you can resolve most of your foot pain with at-home remedies, some cases require a podiatrist’s intervention. See a doctor if your feet are numb or tingling. You should also get checked if you have open sores, back and knee pain, or a swelling that won’t go away. Our experts at Foot Specialists of Birmingham are ready to show you how to stop foot pain from standing all day. Contact us today to get the relief you’ve always wanted.
