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8 Professions That Can Cause Foot Problems

A job that keeps you on your feet may sound like a healthier alternative to a desk job, but standing for too long can be just as detrimental as sitting for too long.

Eventually, all of that standing is going to take a serious toll on your feet. Even with the most comfortable shoes, the pressure of standing on your feet all day will cause problems in the long run. It’s important to wear proper footwear, what steps to take when dealing with swelling, and what to do for heel pain.

1. Healthcare


The healthcare industry is fast-paced and environments are constantly changing. Anyone who works in the industry will be spending a lot of time on their feet, whether they’re working as a nurse, doctor or receptionist.

Nurses and doctors essentially walk miles each day serving and assisting their patients. Over time, this can lead to numerous foot problems, from ingrown toenails to flat feet, bunions and heel spurs.

Healthcare workers can help keep their feet healthy by:

Wearing the right shoes
Cutting and trimming their toenails regularly
Wearing the best compression socks
Stretching regularly
Soaking their feet in Epsom salt

Sitting down whenever possible will also go a long way in helping prevent foot pain and future foot problems.

2. Construction Work


Construction workers spend all day on their feet and working with their hands. It’s an active profession, which is certainly a benefit, but over time, the work can take a toll on your entire body – including your feet. And having to work in challenging weather conditions can lead to dry or overly sweaty feet.

The most common injuries that construction workers suffer are ankle and foot injuries. Workers can develop flat feet and arch problems. Calluses, blisters and other issues can also develop, especially if improper footwear is worn.

Pain is common in the heel, ball or arch of the feet.

Investing in good footwear with adequate protection is crucial, but it may not solve the problem entirely. Once construction workers develop chronic pain, it may never go away entirely.

Construction workers can help alleviate pain and prevent future foot problems by:

  • Wearing custom-made orthotics
  • Buying shoes with cushioned soles
  • Ensuring shoes have steel toes

Soaking the feet after a long day on the job can also go a long way in bringing some relief.

3. Hairdressing


Hairdressers spend most of the day on their feet and standing in one position. Not surprisingly, many hair stylists complain about foot pain.

Improper footwear is a big problem, but many people simply overlook the importance of taking care of their feet. Many stylists are also prone to leaning on one dominant side when cutting hair, and that can put even more pressure on your foot.

Hairdressers can help prevent foot problems by:

  • Sitting down whenever possible
  • Shifting their weight
  • Walking around
  • Wearing the right shoes
  • Investing in a good pair of insoles
  • Massaging their feet
  • Standing on an anti-fatigue mat

Anti-fatigue mats can help alleviate some of the pressure on your feet and prevent fatigue. While these mats can help prevent discomfort, wearing the right footwear is crucial.

4. Cooks and Food Service Workers


The food service industry, like the healthcare industry, is fast-paced and ever-changing. Whether you work as a waitress, cook, food prep or a dishwasher, you’re going to be spending most of your shift on your feet.

Rarely do cooks and servers get a chance to sit down during their shifts.

Those who work in the restaurant industry often develop:

  • Bunions
  • Heel spurs
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Hallux rigidus
  • Morton’s neuroma

Taking breaks to sit down can help, but this is not always possible – especially if the restaurant is busy. Other ways to help prevent or minimize foot problems are:

  • Wearing the right shoes, preferably those designed for chefs and/or waitresses
  • Soaking the feet
  • Changing shoes halfway through the shift
  • Using a small stool to put on leg up on to improve circulation
  • Practicing yoga
  • Wearing orthotics
  • Stretching the feet
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

5. Housekeeping


Maids and housekeepers spend most of their shifts being active and on their feet. They’re constantly bending and reaching, and often engage in repetitive motion.

Housekeepers may develop bunions, blisters and arch problems. Injuries to the Achilles tendon may also occur as well as plantar fasciitis. Wearing proper footwear like compression socks could prevent any further pain or swelling. CareSole Circa Knee sleeves are great for housekeeping work because they’re knee sleeves, so they can be worn with anything and are super comfortable.

Like with any other active profession, it’s crucial to invest in a good pair of shoes. The right footwear can prevent many foot problems that maids and housekeepers experience.

6. Janitors


Janitors, like maids and housekeepers, are in charge of cleaning schools, businesses and other buildings. They spend most of their shift on their feet, and their job helps keep them active.

But over time, those 8-12- hour shifts can take a toll on your body and your feet. Bunions, bone spurs, arch problems, blisters and calluses are all common among janitors.

It’s important for janitors to wear the right footwear. Along with comfort and cushioning, janitors need slip resistance and some toe protection. It’s also important to take into consideration any existing foo conditions, such as flat feet or high arches.

7. Retail Sales


Those who work in retail sales are constantly moving back and forth across the store floor. They’re helping customers find products, ringing people up, and communicating with other workers in the store.

Most people who work retail rarely get a chance to sit down, especially during busy days and the holidays. Blisters and calluses are common, but many also develop bunions after working in the industry for years.

The right shoes can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Shoes that offer support and cushioning can help, as retail workers spend a lot of time walking.

8. Maintenance and Repair


Like construction workers, maintenance and repair workers have an active profession. They spend a lot of time on their feet, walking around and trying to find solutions to problems. Physical labor is just a part of the job.

Along with safe, comfortable and supportive shoes, workers in the field can benefit from insoles that provide extra cushioning. Arch support may also be required.

These eight professions can be hard on your feet, but taking steps to take care of your feet can help prevent some of these issues. The right footwear is key, but insoles and compression socks can also help keep your feet happy and healthy.

December 1, 2020
  • Blog

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My MindInsole was launched out of a passion for finding true, lasting pain relief. Did you know that 75% of the world’s population has foot pain of some kind? That’s a lot of people, and the footwear industry has done little to correct the issue.

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