7 TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR LEGS AND FEET
- 1) Foam roll or tennis ball. You can bring a tennis ball with you to work or keep it stashed in your living room at home.
- 2) Stretch.
- 3) Elevate your feet.
- 4) Invert your body.
- 5) Compress your calves.
- 6) Soak your feet.
- 7) Get a massage.
Contents
How to relieve foot and leg pain?
Wear Comfortable & Supportive Shoes – Use slippers with arch support that you can walk in the whole day. Choose shoes that are comfortable and have enough room for your feet; you don’t want to end up with squeezed feet after a hard day’s work. Avoid high-heeled shoes of up to six inches. High-heeled shoes exert all your weight on the front part of your feet, causing pain.
- If you must wear them, go for heels that are a bit wide and as low as three inches, especially when you tend to stand for long periods of time at the workplace.
- Walking barefoot exposes you to infections such athlete’s foot.
- Use flip flops in bathrooms, sandy areas or even locker room showers.
- Flip flops can reduce pain resulting from stressed fractures, especially if you have flat feet.
However, avoid using them regularly to help reduce your flat foot problem,
Why does my leg hurt when I Stand Up?
SPRYNG Active Compression Solution – SPRYNG is an untethered, active compression therapy solution which can be used while on the job, when you are commuting to work, or even at home. Remember that skeletal muscle pump in your calves we spoke about earlier? SPRYNG mimics muscle pump to rejuvenate your tired legs while standing. Whether your leg pain, associated from standing for too long, is a result of work or play, it’s important to keep your legs healthy and comfortable. While leg pain has many causes and symptoms that overlap if the pain persists or worsens, do visit a doctor to obtain timely intervention.
Are your feet tired and Achy after a long day of standing?
4 Simple Ways to Relieve Foot Pain from Standing All Day If your feet are tired and achy after a long day of standing, you likely want to find some relief! Simple home remedies like a warm water soak, foot massages, and over-the-counter pain medications will help with some of the achiness, and you can also try some stretching exercises to relieve discomfort.
- 1 Soak your feet in warm water for pain relief without medication. Fill a small tub with warm water or use a foot spa meant for that purpose. Add in bath salts, such as Epsom salt, or another type of foot soak if you’d like, then rest your feet in the water for 20-30 minutes.
- The warm water may help relieve pain.
- Avoid foot soaking if you have diabetes. As a diabetic, you’re more likely to develop foot problems and infections.
- 2 Try ice if you have a foot injury or your foot is inflamed. Ice can be helpful if your foot is inflamed or injured. Your skin will likely be warm to the touch if it’s inflamed. Wrap ice in a washcloth or other thin cloth and place it on your feet for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a day as needed.
- Never place ice directly on your skin, as that can lead to frostbite.
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- 3 Give yourself a foot massage to relieve sore muscles. Sit down and bring 1 foot up on the other knee. Pour a dollop of lotion into your hands and then rub your foot down, massaging the ball, heel, and toes. Use your thumbs to press deeper into your foot muscles, rubbing them with a circular motion.
- Gently move your toes back and forth with your fingers to stretch the muscles.
- Repeat with the other foot. If you have someone willing, you can even ask them to massage your feet!
- 4 Take NSAIDs to help with inflammation and relieve pain. NSAIDs include pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. They can help with pain relief, particularly if your feet are slightly swollen after standing on them all day.
- Talk to your doctor about which NSAIDs are right for you. If over-the-counter versions aren’t enough, discuss prescription options.
- Always read the bottle for the recommended dosages.
- 5 Try oral analgesics if you can’t take NSAIDs for pain. Analgesics are solely pain medications. They don’t help with inflammation, but they can provide relief, particularly if you can’t take NSAIDs for medical reasons.
- Check the bottle for recommended dosages.
- Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain medication. Don’t mix it with alcohol. Also, be aware that this medication is in many over-the-counter medication mixes, such as cold-relief drugs. Always check the bottles so you don’t overdose on acetaminophen.
- Don’t exceed 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen in 24 hours, and avoid using it longer than 3 days in a row.
- 6 Rub in a topical analgesic for quick pain relief. These medications work in different ways. Some have pain relievers in them, such as the ingredient found in aspirin. Some distract your feet with a different sensation, such as the ones that cool your feet with menthol or eucalyptus. Others create a slight burning sensation that dulls the pain.
- You can find these at your local drugstore.
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- 1 Use a towel to stretch your feet and Achilles’ tendon. Sit on the floor or the bed with your legs out in front of you. Place a towel or large band around 1 foot, aiming for the ball of your foot. Pull the towel towards you to stretch out the muscles in your foot.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds then repeat on the other side. Try doing 3 sets of this exercise.
- 2 Roll your feet over a round object to help with heel pain. Sit down in a chair and place a round object under your foot, such as a foot roller, water bottle, or even a can of soup. Place your arch on the object for a few seconds, pressing down lightly, then roll your arch over the object, going forward and back. Keep rolling back and forth for about a minute.
- Switch to the other foot when you’re done.
- 3 Strengthen your feet with a toe-towel pickup. While sitting in a chair, place a washcloth under your foot. Try to pick up the towel with just your toes. Leave your heel on the ground while you do so. You’re just lifting your toes to pick up the washcloth off the ground 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm)
- Once you’ve picked the washcloth up, release it and pick it up again, aiming for at least 10 times with each foot.
- This exercise will also increase flexibility.
- 4 Work your calf and foot muscles with a wall push. Stand up and face the wall. Position yourself about 1 foot (30 cm) away from the wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Put your hands on the wall and step back with one leg, straightening it out as you do. Bend the knee on your front leg a little until you feel the calf muscle stretch out in the other leg.
- Straighten the front leg again and repeat the exercise 10 times on each side.
- You can also step forward slightly with your front leg, which will bend your back leg a little.
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- 1 Balance your weight on both feet. If you lean to one side or the other, you may get poor circulation in your feet, causing more pain and stiffness. Ask your boss if it’s okay for you to move things on the floor, such as cords or small rugs, so you’re standing on flat ground. Also, check your balance throughout the day to make sure you’re positioning your weight on both feet.
- 2 Try compression hose or socks if you have swelling. These types of socks and hose provide extra support to your ankles. They fit tightly around your feet, and they can help prevent achiness as well.
- You can find these at drugstores, online, or at medical supply stores.
- 3 Cut down on friction with 2 pairs of socks. If you have trouble with blisters, doubling up on socks may be the solution. It provides you with extra cushioning, which can reduce your chances of developing blisters. You may need to go a size up for your second pair of socks so they’ll fit better over the first pair of socks.
- If you do want to double up on socks, always try on shoes with double socks to see how they fit.
- 4 Stand on a padded mat if you’re standing in one place to take pressure off your feet. These mats are also called anti-fatigue mats, and they cover large areas of the floor. They provide cushioning for your feet and legs, which will provide you with some relief over a long day.
- If you don’t have a padded mat at work, ask your boss if you can get one. You might say, “Can I speak to you for a minute? I was wondering if you’d consider putting in anti-fatigue mats behind the counter. They don’t cost very much and they prevent your employees from tiring out so quickly because they provide cushioning. That means we can work harder for you!”
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- 1 Get measured for shoes to ensure you choose the right size. Even if you’ve been measured in the past, it’s a good idea to get measured again. Your feet can change over time, and if you’re buying the same shoe size you always have, then you could be hurting your feet more.
- Go to a shoe store that specializes in measuring feet and finding the correct fit. Try to get measured annually for shoes.
- Some chiropractors and osteopaths may have a selection of special shoes to help you with your support.
- 2 Try shoes on before buying them to make sure they fit well. Always put shoes on and walk around in them at the store before buying them. Make sure they aren’t scrunching your toes and that you have 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.64 to 1.27 cm) of room between your toes and the end of the shoe.
- Shop for shoes after a day of work. Your feet swell throughout the day, so you want shoes that will still fit comfortably at the end of the day.
- Once you buy a pair, it’s a good idea to walk around in them for a bit before trying to work in them. That way, you can see if they are painful or if they rub in a particular spot.
- 3 Find shoes that support high arches if you have them. High arches can cause you pain if your feet aren’t properly supported. When visiting a shoe store, as the clerk to help you find shoes with high arches, and you should have less pain when you wear them.
- To check if the shoe will support your arch, take the insole out of the shoe, if possible, and hold it up to your foot. If it matches the contours of your foot, it’s likely a good fit. If not, you may need to get another pair.
- If you don’t want to buy new shoes, look for shoe inserts made for people with high arches.
- 4 Buy new insoles to customize the fit of the shoe to your feet. If you find your shoe isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, insoles can help with that issue. They can lift the heels, for instance, or provide more padding as needed. Some stores even offer machines that will read your feet so you can buy the best insole for your feet.
- If you don’t have access to a machine that reads your feet, look at the bottom of your shoes. If you have a normal gait, they should be worn in the middle of your heel and the middle of the ball of your foot. If they’re worn more to the outer edge or more to the inner edge, find insoles that will help correct that issue.
- You can find insoles online, in drug stores, or in some shoe stores.
- 5 Consult with a podiatrist if you think you’d benefit from custom-fitted shoes. While insoles can help, if you still have a lot of pain, you may need shoes that have been made just for you. That way, they will support you in all the right ways without creating pressure points.
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Question How can I relax my feet after standing all day? Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association). Prepare a foot bath with two quarts of warm water and three tablespoons of Epsom salt. You can also use one tablespoon of table salt instead of Epsom salt if you don’t have any. Take a load off and soak your feet for 15 minutes. You can also stretch your calf out to relieve some of the tension in your feet. Do some calf stretches for 10-15 minutes and you should feel some tension dissipate in your feet.
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Advertisement This article was co-authored by, Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain.
He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California.
Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association). This article has been viewed 76,361 times.
- Co-authors: 8
- Updated: July 28, 2022
- Views: 76,361
Categories: | Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 76,361 times. : 4 Simple Ways to Relieve Foot Pain from Standing All Day
Is leg pain affecting your daily life?
Leg pain from standing all day Have you been undergoing discomfort when standing for quite some time? Felt your legs swell or ache so bad that you want to put your feet up? What can be the source? And, what can be done to overcome this? Whether you are a Chef, a hairstylist, teacher, or a Salesperson, taking extra care of our feet is the best way to staying healthy and happy.
Leg pain is not just annoying; it crates havoc in your day to day life. After a long tiring day, of standing long hours at work, you may feel the soreness right from your feet to the backbone. Even minute activities tend to create severe discomfort making standing highly intolerable. If you stand or walk for most of the day due to work, the severe pain and swelling in your foot is a sore sight to see.
Certain foot conditions may worsen up with these long standing hours at work. People experience extreme leg pain when their profession necessitates them to stand for a long time. The indications from standing for long hours progress to worsen, especially when not moving around or from improper footwear.
In case your job requires you to stand for long hours, you are more prone to swelling in the legs, leading to extensive soreness and uneasiness. Standing for too long can also create adverse problems on the body. Leg pain has countless origins. Swollen and aching legs after longs hours of standing or sitting can be due to the fluid accumulation in the veins.
Although swollen legs are not a matter of concern, it is better to pay attention if they are followed by some other symptoms. When the valves in the leg veins fail to circulate the blood from the legs to the heart and the blood collects in the feet and legs causing severe ache and swelling.
This condition is called chronic venous disease. A scorching sensation and numbness is especially felt in the calf. Swollen legs are a common symptom. It is mostly seen in women, obese individuals and those who frequently stand or sit for long durations. Reduced blood flow time and again affects the lower part of the body as it’s tougher for the upward blood flow toward the heart.
This often leads to the blood collecting in the legs. Using compression stockings of keen length for varicose vein helps to reduce uneasiness and inflammation in the legs. It is highly advisable to consult your doctor on such persisting matters. Tiring your legs more than usual can often lead to foot aches that finally land you with swollen feet.
- If you are standing for long hours, especially at work you need to take breaks regularly to ease the fatiguing legs.
- Self-care methods like exercise, keeping the feet elevated, and compression socks, help relieve these warning signs.
- See your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
- Poor blood circulation can be improved with regular exercise and loose clothing.
If there is no progress in the inflammation after referring a doctor, then medication may be prescribed to control the swelling. A pair of high quality shoes with great support can help, if you stand at work all day. Many of us wear shoes that are too small, cutting off blood flow at your feet, causes sores making standing intolerable.
But this isn’t the answer to sore or swollen feet. You need to follow routine to help relieve the strained muscles and swollen feet to help reduce the pressure and gets the blood well circulated in the body. If you plan to continue with any long standing job, take adequate steps to care for your body, especially your legs and your overall health.
When standing for hours at a stretch, avoid wearing high heels. Select comfortable footwear that helps relieve your swollen feet. It is always better to use insoles in all footwear for the extra cushioning. Even a good pair of shoe may not help your sore feet if proper blood circulation is not looked into.
Placing a Tennis ball and rolling it under the feet for some time, helps relieve and stretch the muscles. Similarly, the calf and thigh muscles can be stretched too. Elevating the legs is another easy option. After long tired hours from work, get on the couch and keep your feet up, well above the heart.
This helps in increasing the blood movement from the feet to the heart, thus soothing the legs veins and allows them to recover. Practicing yoga can help you maintain a better posture, as well as loosen and strengthen the muscles of the entire body. Certain yoga positions help in reducing stress and leg inflammation.
Apply oil or cream to the soles and massage gently on the swollen feet and the sole. Frequent foot massages followed by soaking the feet in hot water and Epsom salt helps in reducing stress and relaxing the muscles. Ice is helpful for inflammation. Take a few ice cubes in a cloth and place it on the swollen feet for 10 minutes.
This helps reduce the swelling to some extent. It is your tiny foot that bears the weight of your entire body. The heavier you are, the harder they suffer to support you. Keeping your weight in check is the only option. As you get older, the muscles tighten and thus add stress to your feet.
Stretching your feet daily helps to reduce the swelling of the feet and its pain in the long run. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day, especially when you exercise helps avoid dehydration. Sore feet can keep you from enjoying your minor day-to-day activities. There are many methods to help relieve swollen feet in the comforts of your home.
Make an appointment with your doctor if the swelling intensifies and the pain remains. In case you are diabetic and face any of the fore stated conditions that doesn’t lessen, talk to your doctor immediately. It is always better to get professional treatment rather than experiment with remedies that don’t help with the problem.
Is sitting all day making your leg veins worse?
Updated on: July 15, 2015 Many people spend a lot of time sitting during the day. Some do it at their desks, on their daily commute or while relaxing at home. Taking a load off your feet can be relaxing, but sitting too much can increase your risk of getting varicose veins— not to mention being bad for your heart health.
What causes upper leg pain when standing?
- Dehydration. Inadequate consumption of water can lead to many harmful side effects on your body.
- Physical Strain. Heavy exertion or exercise can strain your legs.
- Awkward Sitting Positions.
- Poorly Controlled Diabetes.
- Past Inflammations.
- Age.
- Blood Clot.
- Narrowed Arteries.
Is standing bad for leg veins?
Varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs. That’s because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body. For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort.
What can I do about leg pain and restless legs?
– Anti-seizure drugs (gabapentin, lamotrigine, pregabalin) ca both reduce pain and relieve unpleasant sensation. – Sedatives may be indicated. It’s not that these provide pain relief as much as they help people sleep through the pain. – Low doses of opioids might be used to treat RLS pain when first- and second-line treatments don’t work.