Is Standing Too Long Bad for You?
Is standing for long durations safe? There are a number of issues that are associated with standing for prolonged periods. These include blood clots that cause pain, swelling and impaired circulation to the feet. Additionally, standing all day can exacerbate pre-existing foot issues.
If your profession requires you to stand for extended periods, it is advised to take frequent breaks, rest and elevate your feet whenever you can, do light stretching exercises, and use ice on sore spots if the pain gets too bad.
Standing throughout the day may have negative repercussions that manifest almost immediately, and extended standing can frequently exacerbate health issues. For instance, prolonged standing when pregnant might cause problems such as back discomfort, stiffness, exhaustion, posture problems, tendonitis, edema, foot pain, and circulation problems. The following are some typical problems associated with prolonged standing:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Stiffness
- Knee problems
- Swollen or painful feet or legs
- Joint damage
To ease the discomfort caused due to standing on your feet, try the following:
- Stretching
Lightly exercising and stretching your feet is a quick and effective approach to improving foot health after a long day of standing. This habit can aid proper blood flow and reduce the stiffness of the muscles.
- Consider buying more comfortable shoes
For comfort, while standing, a nice pair of shoes is essential. Select footwear with a thick sole, arch support, and complete heel and ankle support. This is one of the easiest solutions to lessen pain from standing. Never use footwear that is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit properly.
- Breaks are necessary
It’s critical to regularly rest your feet whenever feasible. Aim to spend as much of your scheduled breaks off your feet as you can. Be rigorous about taking scheduled breaks. Try moving your toes when possible; it increases circulation.
- Importance of rest
When you come home, keep your feet up so that your body can rest and recover from the strain of standing. Adequate rest on a daily basis is vital for your foot health in both the short and long term.
- Does icing help?
Ice application can assist in reducing pain and swelling. Press the ice pack against your legs or feet for approximately ten minutes to ease the stress.
- Massage
Another effective method of pain alleviation is massage. Simple hand exercises, a mobility ball, or even everyday objects are all effective options. In addition to breaking up scar tissue and enhancing blood flow, massage also interferes with the body’s pain signals. You can use something as small as a golf ball and roll your feet over to massage your feet.
Standing can be rough on your feet. Take it easy and give your feet a break for them to keep you going throughout the day.
At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we are here to address all your foot concerns. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.