Understanding and Preventing Feet Ache in the Workplace
Aching feet is a common complaint amongst workers nowadays. Whether you're a butcher, a factory worker, or someone who spends long hours on your feet, dealing with foot pain can be frustrating and exhausting. Being a butcher, in particular, involves having to endure endless hours of standing in the same place or walking around all day on cold, hard floors. This takes its toll on our often most neglected part of the body – our feet.
We are often asked by our customers how we can help them overcome aches and strains at work. It’s not just the workers experiencing the pain that ask us either. Many managers running their own butcher's shop or meat market stall come to us because they have an unhappy workforce or absenteeism issues as a result of foot pain.
The problem is that feet ache can be the precursor to other musculoskeletal pains throughout the body. We make adjustments to the way we stand or walk due to foot pain, and this can impact other areas of our body too. For this reason, it is important to understand why the problem is occurring and ultimately take measures to nip the problem in the bud.
Why Do Feet Ache?
Before tackling foot pain, it is crucial to understand why it happens. There are several reasons why aching feet are a problem in workplaces, particularly in environments where standing or walking for extended periods is unavoidable.
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Prolonged Standing: Standing in one spot for hours places excessive strain on the feet, leading to soreness, fatigue, and discomfort.
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Hard Flooring: Walking or standing on hard, cold surfaces like concrete and tile exacerbates foot pain and can contribute to long-term joint issues.
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Inappropriate Footwear: Ill-fitting shoes or boots that lack proper support can lead to blisters, corns, and chronic pain.
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Poor Posture: Standing incorrectly for extended periods places stress on the feet, knees, hips, and lower back.
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Lack of Movement: Staying stationary for long periods leads to reduced blood circulation, causing swelling and discomfort.
Solutions to Prevent Feet Ache at Work
You’ll be pleased to know that the solution to feet ache can be very simple. Make sure you’re aware of the following factors and see what measures you can adopt to help keep you or your workers pain-free.
1. Choose the Right Footwear
The very least your feet deserve is shoes that are comfortable and of the correct fit. Investing in the right footwear is one of the most effective ways to prevent foot pain. Some things to consider when choosing work shoes include:
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Proper Arch Support: Shoes with adequate arch support distribute body weight evenly, reducing strain on the feet.
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Cushioning: Good cushioning absorbs shock and reduces pressure on the soles.
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Waterproofing: Working in a butcher shop often means exposure to water. Waterproof shoes will help keep feet dry and prevent discomfort.
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Non-Slip Soles: A good grip on the floor reduces the risk of slips and falls.
2. Go Barefoot When Possible
We all love the feeling that a pair of really comfortable shoes brings us, but when you
get home, take off your shoes and socks and give your feet a chance to breathe. This is especially important if you have been cooped up in wellingtons or work boots, which could have caused your feet to sweat.
Allowing your feet to air out can help prevent blisters, fungal infections, and general discomfort.
3. Flooring and Anti-Fatigue Mats
Standing or walking on a cold, hard floor all day is a major contributor to foot pain and musculoskeletal pain in general. If you stand in the same place at a chopping block for most of the day, then it will make a major difference if you put down some appropriate matting in these areas.
This type of matting is often known as anti-fatigue matting, and it is called this for good reason. The mats provide a cushioned surface that has far less impact on the feet and joints and they stimulate movement, which increases blood flow around the body.
When choosing anti-fatigue mats for a butcher's shop or any other workplace, consider the following:
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Non-Slip Design: Mats with a non-slip surface prevent accidental slips, making them ideal for wet work environments.
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Flow-Through Design: Mats with perforations allow liquids to drain through, reducing slip hazards.
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Durability: Choose mats made from high-quality rubber or foam that can withstand constant use.
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Size and Placement: Ensure mats are placed in areas where employees stand for extended periods.
See our extensive range of mats to alleviate aching feet during long standing shifts.
4. Think of Your Posture
If you’re standing in the same place all day and having to lean forward continually, whether it be over a chopping block or a serving counter, you are going to be putting additional stress on the balls of your feet.
To improve your posture at work:
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Adjust Your Workstation Height: Ensure work surfaces are at a comfortable height to reduce unnecessary bending or leaning.
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Distribute Your Weight Evenly: Avoid standing with most of your weight on one foot.
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Stretch Regularly: Simple foot and leg stretches can help improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
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Consider Physiotherapy or Pilates: These activities can help improve posture, strengthen muscles, and alleviate strain on the feet and joints.
5. Regularly Rest and Care for Your Feet
When you're on your feet all day, it's important to give them proper care and attention. Here are some ways to relieve foot pain after a long day at work:
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Use the RICE Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
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Soak Your Feet: A warm foot soak with Epsom salts can help soothe tired muscles.
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Massage Your Feet: Massaging the soles of your feet can relieve tension and improve circulation.
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Apply Moisturiser: Keeping your feet moisturised prevents dry, cracked skin.
6. Don’t Ignore Feet Ache
Ignoring foot pain can lead to more serious health problems down the line. If you notice persistent pain, take action immediately. If necessary, treat foot pain with suitable creams depending on the condition or consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
The Importance of Workplace Health and Safety
As mentioned at the start of this article, if you ignore the problem, you may be adjusting the way you are walking or standing, which in turn may have a negative impact on other parts of your body. If your workers are complaining of aches and pains at work, you may be falling foul of your health and safety obligations.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with feet ache is not something that should be overlooked. Simple adjustments such as wearing the right footwear, using anti-fatigue mats, improving posture, and regularly caring for your feet can make a significant difference. Employers should also take proactive steps to ensure their workers have a comfortable and safe working environment.
If you're looking for high-quality anti-fatigue mats to help reduce feet ache at work, check out our range at Mats4U today. If you need expert advice, feel free to call us on 0121 313 6748 or use our Live Chat during UK office hours.
