Offices all across the globe and in North America have installed standing desks for their employees. While this workspace is often seen as a desired benefit to help keep employees active during the workday, there are some downsides to standing all day. More and more workers have voiced their frustration with standing desk foot pain.
In an ideal world, standing for a few hours a day at work would help everyone to increase their circulation and overall well-being. However, not everyone is the same. Foot pain varies from person to person, and finding the root cause of the pain can be difficult without professional guidance. Our experienced team at Motion Foot Clinics specializes in all things podiatry, and we can help diagnose and solve even the most convoluted foot issue. Below are a few tips and suggestions to consider when it comes to foot pain caused by a standing desk.
What Causes Standing Desk Foot Pain?
When transitioning to a standing desk, it can be difficult to find that sweet spot to settle into. People often begin to shift their weight back and forth and scuttle around looking for a standing position that eliminates that pesky foot and heel strain feeling that is associated with standing desks. The truth is, standing desk foot pain can have a number of causes relating to muscle strength, ligament damage, foot health, and much more.
When the body is standing still at a standing desk, the heel, foot, and lower leg are left to carry the brunt of the body’s weight, which can cause the muscles and joints to grow tired. The foot is composed of dozens of bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints. The only way to know for sure what is causing foot pain, however, is to have a professional consultation and diagnosis with a qualified podiatrist.
Can Foot Pain Be Reduced?
Although foot pain is complex and can stem from a myriad of causes, there are some tips and tricks to help reduce or possibly eliminate foot pain that comes from standing desk usage.
Don’t Stand Too Long
Many workers begin using their standing desk right away, and often they use it too much and without the proper preparation. When transitioning from a seated desk to a standing workspace, moderation is key. The body needs time to build muscle and strength to be able to stand for long periods of time.
Standing requires different muscles than walking or running requires. That being said, when it comes time to plan the best use of a standing desk, it is important to establish balance and to properly train the body and foot for the end goal.
Wear Proper Footwear
Especially in an office setting, wearing proper footwear can be a cumbersome consideration. In an environment where men and women often wear rigid or heeled shoes, forcing the foot to stand in improper footwear will certainly cause pain and may even create problems in the long run.
To reduce standing desk foot pain, bring comfortable sneakers to the office and wear them while using their standing desk. A properly fitting sneaker or podiatrist recommended shoe can be a great way to reduce or eliminate foot pain caused by a standing desk.
Keep Toenails Trimmed
Although it may seem like a small concern, toenails can have a huge impact on the comfort and health of the feet. Keeping them trimmed and healthy can eliminate toe and foot pain that comes from friction caused by standing or walking.
If left untreated, overly long or unhealthy toenails can cause a number of issues like fungal problems or toe pain. Trimming toenails frequently is a good way to care for the health of the feet, and the practice can also help to uncover any emerging problems by taking the time to regularly look at the feet.
Practice Good Posture
All of the muscles in the body are connected. Whether foot pain is radiating from the arch or from the heel, there are muscles and ligaments that connect to the rest of the body. Sometimes foot pain can be corrected by practicing proper posture.
By keeping the body well-aligned, weight can be evenly distributed, and sometimes foot pain will be reduced or completely disappear. While working at a standing desk, remember to check in with the body’s alignment from time to time and make sure to practice good posture.
Increase Flexibility
Standing for long stretches of time can cause tension to build in the body, especially in the lower leg and foot. Keeping the muscles in the back, legs, and feet limber and flexible can help to reduce foot pain. The more flexible a muscle, the more it will be able to handle stress.
Between standing sessions at the desk, take some time to carefully roll out the ankles and stretch the hamstrings and arches of the feet. These simple movements and stretches can help to minimize stiffness and tension that can cause discomfort and pain.
Walk Or Move
Find a few moments every hour to move around. Take a quick walk to the water cooler or to the restroom. Breaking up a standing or sitting session with a little movement is a great way to wake up the muscles and keep them engaged and active.
When standing for too long, pressure and pain can build up in the lower legs and feet. It is important to move around, shake it out, or go on a quick walk as often as possible when using a standing desk to lower the accumulation of static pain.
When To Visit a Podiatrist
If foot pain becomes severe or long-lasting, it is time to visit a podiatrist who can perform a professional diagnosis of the foot issue. When left untreated, foot issues can become critical and can sometimes develop into much worse issues over time. Even minor discomforts can be symptoms of larger issues.
A good podiatrist will quickly uncover the root cause of foot pain and set the patient on their way with a comprehensive treatment and high-quality care. At Motion Foot Clinics, we have office locations from Terrace to Nanaimo to Kelowna. Our top priority is to provide the best quality care for each and every one of our patients.
Book an Appointment Today
We make it easy to book an appointment! Give our courteous and caring team a call today to find the closest office and to schedule an appointment. We have a proven track record of providing only the best health care and service to all of our patients. We are proud of the positive impact and long-lasting benefits that we provide.
Contact our experienced team at Motion Foot Clinics today. Don’t settle for standing and working with pain and discomfort for a moment longer. Our podiatrists are here to not just diagnose, but also fully treat all of the causes of standing desk foot pain and any other foot health issues that arise.