ADVISE FROM DR. ARTHRITIS: 6 WAYS TO HELP PAIN AND SWELLING IN YOUR FEET

For whatever reason that you’re left standing on your feet for extended periods of time, it’s important to note that eventually, it will take its toll on your body. In a lot of cases, it can lead to chronic pain and swelling. This happens when your body retains fluid in the lower legs, ankles and feet.

Keep in mind however that it’s likely caused by daily activities that push our body’s limits. And when it comes to these symptoms, it’s all about management and getting through the day.

What can cause these problems?

It’s hard to imagine that something as innocuous as standing or walking can be considered a work-related hazard. But depending on the physical layout of your workplace, or what kind of work is needed for your job, you may actually end up doing something repetitively and without breaks. And when you have to stand or walk for long periods of time in a cramped space, or on hard surfaces, especially when you’re wearing unsuitable footwear, it may lead to chronic pain, prompted by reduced blood flow to muscles.

What can you do?

Fortunately, there are some ways you can lower the risks associate with prolonged standing. Here are some things that you can try:

1. Alternate standing with sitting whenever possible. Find the time to sit and use your break period to give your feet a rest.

2. For pregnant women, find the time to put your feet up whenever you can. It’s best to let your feet rest higher than your head.

3. Move around and change positions whenever possible. Move around, walk, stretch and shift your standing position to move your weight around.

4. Choose your shoes carefully. Select a pair that will provide ample support and comfort, especially since you know you’ll be on your feet all day.

5. Let your toes rest and bring down those heels. High heels aren’t for all-day, everyday wear—no matter how used your feet are to wearing them.

6. Use compression sleeves. Compression sleeves provide compression, warmth, and light support to muscles and joints. This will increase oxygen delivery to working muscles, thus enhancing circulation around the affected area, prompting faster removal of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes, reducing inflammation and accelerating the body’s natural repair process.

Doctor Arthritis, a brand known for their line of compression garments, created their collection of compression sleeves anchored on the founders’ experience and insight as medical practitioners.

The brand’s collection are made using a high quality blend of 88 percent copper nylon with 12 percent spandex—making it one of the products with the highest copper content available, and ensuring all-day comfort.