Whether you’re a chef in a restaurant or a nurse treating patients in a hospital, you’ve probably experienced sore feet after work. As a result, this can potentially affect your performance at work and cause injuries.
Here are five reasons you’re still getting sore feet after work and what you can do about it.
- You Have Underlying Conditions
- You Aren’t Resting Enough During Work
- You Aren’t Doing Enough Stretches or Exercises
- You Aren’t Taking Good Care of Your Feet
- You’re Wearing Inappropriate Footwear
1. You Have Underlying Conditions
Injuries, overuse or inflammation can affect any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in your feet. When you finish your shift and your feet are still in a lot of pain yet you’ve looked into all other solutions, it might be time to have a health professional take a look and offer expert advice.
2. You Aren't Resting During Work
You might work in a fast-paced environment where it feels like there’s no time to rest, but simply having a seated break and drinking some water when you have a moment to rest can make a big difference. Whether it’s a quick five-minute break or when you’re having your lunch, try not to stay on your feet for any longer than you need to and stay hydrated.
By sitting down where possible, you’ll ease the pressure on your feet and ankles.
Depending on your role, you might stay in one area throughout the shift - such as a bartender. However, try moving around to keep good circulation in your feet. It ensures weight isn’t placed on the same part of your feet for too long.
3. You Aren't Doing Enough Stretches or Exercises
Another reason you’re still getting sore feet after work is that you haven’t completed any exercises and continued to add extra pressure. If you work long shifts on your feet almost every day without breaks and stretches, you’re only contributing to the pain. When you’re on your breaks or when you’re back home, do some simple stretches and exercises to help eliminate foot pain.
Stretches and exercises help improve circulation and can relax your tense muscles. Whether it’s toe extensions or calf raises, find a lower body/foot exercise that works for you and repeat it around 10 times per leg.
4. You Aren't Taking Good Care of Your Feet
Exercises and stretches are only half of the solution to relieving sore feet after work. Another reason you might suffer from pain in the feet is that you’ve neglected them for far too long. This only adds to the problem of sore feet.
Take good care of your feet by massaging them to relieve inflammation and let your calves enjoy a fresh supply of oxygenated blood. You should also regularly soak your feet in warm water at home before applying a moisturising lotion.
Make sure to get enough rest, ice to help with swelling by compressing it and elevate your feet by placing them on a pillow to ease the pressure.
5. You're Wearing Inappropriate Footwear
If none of the previous reasons apply to you, then the likelihood is your footwear at work is causing your sore feet. The longer you have uncomfortable or unsuitable footwear on during your shift while standing up all day, the more the pressure builds and contributes to your sore feet.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes can lead to potential injuries in the feet, sore joints, soft tissue injuries, swelling and also conditions such as bunions. The easy fix for this or a way to alleviate the pain is to buy suitable footwear. Your first option might be to purchase a comfort insole with extra cushioning to see if that makes a difference or one with a gel layer. If not, then it’s time to find more suitable shoes.
Look for options that feature arch support to reduce weakness in your legs and feet while reducing pain and swelling. It’s also important to make sure they’re the right fit. Choose a pair too small and they can cut off circulation and cause blisters. If they’re too big then they can be a distraction and also be a potential tripping hazard.
Other essential features to look for in a pair of shoes to stop your feet getting sore after work is comfort, slip-resistance and ventilation to keep your feet cool. If you’re in an environment where you lift heavy items and falling hazards, you’ll need to find shoes with steel toes and puncture-resistant materials to ensure both safety and comfort.
Finding the right pair of shoes is a big decision as not every shoe is perfect for a variety of job roles. That’s when you’ll need to do some more research to see which type of footwear will work for you and help you avoid getting sore feet after work.
Find the Perfect Pair of Work Shoes Catered to Your Role
What works for a nurse might not be suitable for waitstaff or hotel employees. If you need a little more help, take a look at our buying guide.
It features helpful tips on the features to look for in a shoe suitable for your role and things to remember before buying your next pair. Download the guide below to find the perfect footwear for you.