There are many professions that put a lot of strain on the legs and feet because they are predominantly standing jobs. Such occupations are so unhealthy because the human body was not made to stand still all the time. If this is not possible, the veins, tendons, ligaments and muscles suffer. Even internal organs can be damaged if such a standing job is performed for a long time without taking into account the needs of the legs and feet. Therefore, attention to legs and feet is especially needed in standing occupations.
Exhausted legs need attention
Rather, humans are living beings designed to move a lot and therefore walk a lot, also sit and stand for only short periods of time. Exhausted legs due to the practice of standing occupations are initially manifested only by the feeling of so-called heavy legs, and later possibly by pain in the legs. The feet may also begin to burn as a result of standing for too long. Other problems emanating from the legs and feet are often back pain, but also exhaustion and fatigue. This is due to circulatory problems caused by standing still for long periods of time. The brain no longer gets enough oxygen because the blood sinks into the legs. If you then continue to stand still for a long time without doing anything, you risk edema, which manifests itself in swollen lower legs and feet because the veins can no longer withstand the blood stagnation downward. As a result, varicose veins can form or even thromboses can develop. Painful poor posture of the spine, which is also overloaded by long periods of standing, are further symptoms of exhausted legs. It is therefore important to give your legs and feet a little more attention when you are in a standing job and to pay attention to these symptoms as early as possible. It is best to do something to relieve the strain at the first signs of exhausted legs that are still not dangerous.
Sit down more often
An important measure to relieve the legs and feet in standing jobs is to sit down more often at work. According to the Workplace Ordinance, every company is legally obligated to provide its employees with seating options for in-between work for relief. These are so-called demand seats, which may be used not only during breaks, but also for short sitting breaks in between if necessary. Employees and workers must be informed that they are entitled to this right and should also use this right to relieve their legs on a regular basis to protect their health.
Supportive flooring
Flooring can also play a big role in whether standing work becomes more or less stressful on legs and feet. A company that values the health and satisfaction of its employees and is willing to take responsibility for them will provide healthy resilient flooring at typical standing workstations. There are specially designed ergonomic floor coverings for entire rooms or ergonomic work mats for specific work areas where employees often have to work standing for long periods of time.
Support stockings and comfortable shoes.
Not to be underestimated in standing occupations are the right shoes. It is very important that shoes do not have heels that are too high for standing jobs. Also on enough toe clearance should be absolutely paid attention, the moreover on a slip-resistant and flexible sole. The possibility of width adjustment and breathable upper material also play a major role in good shoes for standing activities. Padded inner soles of the shoes can further ensure that feet and legs are not overly burdened. Of course, it should go without saying that shoes worn for typical standing jobs should definitely have an optimal fit. However, shoes that are well adapted to standing jobs do not always help to absorb the stress on the legs. Another measure to support and protect the legs while standing can be support stockings. These compression stockings have the effect of compressing the veins a little so that not too much blood sinks into the veins. This prevents edema, varicose veins and dangerous thrombosis.
Small helps with big effect: foot baths, soles, massages.
It is also possible to become active yourself to protect legs, feet and the entire body from the overload of standing activity.As mentioned above, the soles and insoles of the shoes worn at work also play a role in how much standing activity affects health or not. Furthermore, people who have a standing job can also do a lot in their free time to refresh their legs and feet after work. Massages of the troubled legs and feet can be very soothing. Foot baths also help legs and feet feel better after work. But there are more things that are good for the troubled legs of people who have to stand a lot at work. If you don’t get much exercise at work, you should definitely make up for it in your free time. Cycling and walking can already work wonders here. It is also very good for the legs and feet to go swimming regularly. Furthermore, Kneipp cures help the troubled legs to recover. If, in addition to the complaints in the legs and feet, there are also problems with the spine, targeted spinal gymnastics, on the other hand, can be helpful.
