If you're a teacher heading back to the classroom, you may already be worrying about sore feet from standing all day in front of your students. And, in addition to foot pain, teachers are also at a higher risk for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Want to keep your feet happy and healthy, from the first day of school all the way until next year's summer vacation? Just check out these tips from Dr. Alvin Cowans, your podiatrist in Powder Springs.
Sore Feet from Standing All Day: A Common Teacher's Complaint ![teacher standing in front of students in classroom]()
If you're in charge of a class full of students, you're going to be on your feet for many hours each day. Whether you're walking the halls between rooms, lecturing in front of the smart board or heading to the playground for recess duty, your job requirements can take a toll on your foot health. But you can avoid sore feet from standing all day with a few simple precautions.
First, you have to be selective about your footwear. Of course, supportive sneakers would be the best choice for your feet. But even if your dress code requires more formal footwear, looking for shoes with certain features can help prevent pain and fatigue. Look for styles with lots of room in the toe box, to avoid pinching and rubbing. Your shoes should also provide plenty of arch support and shock absorption, minimizing the impact of all day standing. They need good treads and grips so that you don't slip and fall on a student's literal spilled milk. And you should always wear your shoes with socks, to reduce your risk for blisters, corns, calluses and even athlete's foot.
Now, about those socks. You should choose pairs that are thin enough to fit comfortably in your shoes, preventing any rubbing. And look for socks that are made from sweat-wicking or natural materials so that your feet can avoid getting hot and sweaty throughout the day.
Wearing Shoes the Right Way, and Adding Orthotics
Even if you've selected the perfect pair of shoes and socks, the way you wear them will also go a long way towards preventing sore feet from standing all day. First, make sure that the shoes you put on aren't in need of replacing. If they show signs of wear or tear like shallow treads or creases in the padding, that means they aren't supporting your feet optimally. And that should be a sign to buy a new pair.
Next, you should try and rotate shoes throughout the week, avoiding wearing the same pair two days in a row. This simple trick can extend the useful life of yous shoes. Plus, if your feet do sweat, it gives shoes a chance to dry out between wearings, in turn reducing your risk for fungal infections. And, if you follow these tips and you still get sore feet from standing all day, investing in a pair of custom orthotics can provide your feet with additional support while correcting any biomechanical imbalances. In turn, your feet won't feel so tired or achy at the end of the day. And you'll also decrease your risk for heel pain and Achilles pain in the morning, after a previous long day in the classroom.
More Tips to Prevent Sore Feet From Standing All Day
If your classroom duties are still doing a number on your feet, you may wish to invest in additional supportive products. One great option to consider is an anti-fatigue mat. (Office workers who switch to standing desks also swear by this product.) Basically, it's a cushioned carpet that you stand on, helping take some of the pressure of standing off your feet. Easy to move around the room, you can stand on this mat when giving a longer lecture in order to help prevent foot fatigue and discomfort.
Home Care for Tired, Aching Feet
Even when you take extra care at work, at the end of a long day at school, you still may find that your feet are tired, aching or even mildly swollen. So, if you want to relieve discomfort and gear up for another day of teaching, it's important that you engage in some self-care as soon as you get home from work. But what should that care look like?
Well, as soon as you get home, lie down and prop up your feet, ideally above the level of your heart. This will allow excess fluid to drain out of the feet, relieving any swelling that developed throughout the day. Next, you may wish to soak your feet in warm water, adding Epsom salts to the mix for extra relief and a touch of indulgence. Finally, you can gently massage your feet to work out any remaining aches and pains. At the same time, you can carefully moisturize them to help prevent dry skin and the need for cracked heels relief down the road.
Of course, some people who experience sore feet from standing all day may also have an underlying condition contributing to their pain. And, in such cases, home care may not be enough to relieve that pain. But never fear: our podiatrist in Powder Springs is here to help! Just reach out to the office and request an appointment. When you see Dr. Cowans, he can help determine the cause of your foot pain, and get you back on your feet and in front of the classroom, right where you belong!
