How to Get Relief From Foot Pain Caused by Standing 10 Hours per Day

Every day, your feet have a big job to do. Whether you walk, run, or dance, they support your entire body and your movements. So standing for several hours a day puts strain on your legs and feet, and can lead to health complications including foot pain.

In addition, prolonged standing can aggravate pain caused by corn, callouses or foot deformities. If you suffer from foot pain due to overuse, try the following measures to manage and prevent this discomfort.

Get Relief at Work

1. Get relief from foot pain by making changes to your work environment, and by adjusting your body mechanics while at work. Wearing shoe inserts or compression stockings can help, and so can standing on anti-fatigue floor mats instead of hard, concrete floors.

2. One research review determined that changing positions frequently may be the most effective way to reduce complications from prolonged standing. Take the opportunity to walk around instead of standing still, and change from standing to sitting positions as much as able. Also, use a foot rest bar or stool to shift your body weight from one side to the other, and use your allowed breaks to rest and stretch.

Choose the Right Shoes

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1. Wear shoes that fit well. Take the opportunity to get properly fitted for work shoes, but it's best to do this after work to ensure they fit even if you have minor swelling. The shoes should have good arch and heel support, and conform to the shape of your feet.

2. Your toes should be able to wiggle some, and your heel shouldn't slide up and down as you walk. Purchase shoes that are adjustable — for example those that have laces — to personalize the fit if you have swelling or if your feet are slightly different sizes. If you struggle to find shoes that fit or don't cause pain, see a podiatrist to determine if you need custom insoles or footwear.

Stretch for Relief

1. Stretching can also provide relief. Below are some ways counter the effects of prolonged standing:

2. 1. While seated, and preferably with your shoes off, place one foot over the opposite knee. Holding your foot by your toes, slowly pull it towards you and hold for 10 seconds. Release, then repeat 20 times. Do the same stretch on your other foot. 
   2. Roll a frozen water bottle under your feet, using moderate pressure, for 15 to 20 minutes. 
   3. Roll a tennis ball under your feet, for 10 minutes on each side.
   4. If you have ongoing foot pain, your doctor or podiatrist can provide you with a personalized stretching program, and refer you to a physical therapist for assessment and care. 

Get Relief at Home

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1. In addition to stretching exercises, which can be done at work and at home, take the opportunity to rest your feet while at home. Elevate your feet to help reduce swelling, and place ice packs on the bottoms of your feet if this eases your discomfort.

2. Also, ask your doctor about self care for your feet. For example, your doctor may recommend you avoid high-impact exercise, such as running, and find exercises that do not aggravate your foot pain. Your doctor may also suggest over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, to diminish pain and inflammation in the feet.

Tips

If you have ongoing foot pain, talk to your doctor or podiatrist about insoles for your shoes, which can be custom made or purchased based on shoe size. These are designed to absorb shock, support the feet and provide arch support, which can minimize foot pain.

Also, if your foot pain is due to your job, speak with your manager about ways to reduce your risk of health problems due to prolonged standing.

Warnings

Prolonged standing can cause ligaments and tendons to get irritated and inflamed, which can lead to plantar fasciitis, affecting the band of tissue that supports your foot arch, or Achilles tendinitis, which impacts the large tendon that runs down the back of your lower leg.

In addition, poor fitting shoes can create pain due to hammertoes or bunions, and can contribute to the development of corns and callouses. If you have foot pain that is not resolved by home treatment, see your doctor or ask for a referral to a podiatrist.

3. Reviewed by Kay Peck, MPH RD