People who are on their feet all day can attest that even a slight increase in comfort will have huge positive implications for their work environment. The legs and feet are regularly abused by folks from all walks of life. Some of these include: surgeons, cooks, security guards, teachers, hair stylist, waiters, construction workers, dancers, gardeners, and personal trainers. A few can change their footwear to be most comfortable, yet others are bound either by uniforms or health/safety reasons into particular footwear. Cushion, support, and shock absorption are all welcome elements for people who are on their feet. Many stores provide their clerks with anti-fatigue mats to help combat the hardness of the sales floor. Other professionals base their clothing choice on the work they will be doing and pick their comfort shoes when the day requires a lot of standing. Even the most comfortable shoes lose their resiliency and need to be changed often. It is not uncommon to see people whose shoes are visibly worn and whose heels are wedging at unnatural angles since they are regularly used. To those who spend a lot of time on their feet, an insole may provide unimaginable relief.

Insoles are made to provide cushion, to absorb shock, and to give support. An insole may maintain, or correct, foot and ankle mechanics. Foot fatigue may result because of abnormal walking mechanics and unnatural shifting of weight. These new positions often expose other parts of the body to injury since they are required to bear loads which they are not normally accustomed. Think about a person who is having foot discomfort and they lean to one side or always use their upper body for assistance and to relive the pressure. Over time, the upper body or leaning side begins to break down and may be injured. Insoles combat foot fatigue and thus may prevent the above scenario. Overtime, a person may develop ‘hot spots’ or points of increased tenderness and may feel pain along the Achilles or the bottom of the foot. Insoles, arch supports, and heel cups are often recommended by physicians and other healthcare professionals to deal with these ailments. Insoles can extend the life of a shoe by adding a new of padding and are a cost effective alternative to regularly purchasing new shoes.

Insoles can be easily inserted into any kind of shoe. They can cover the entire foot, provide only cushion at the heel (heel cups), at the ball of the foot (metatarsal pads-great for high heels), and they may have additional support along the arch. It is important to get insoles made from a high quality material. Many people wait too long to get a pair of insoles and make them their last resort. Then they visit a local store and pick up a cheap over the counter insole. The good thing is seeing the benefits of an insole, but these insoles do not last long nor are the benefits reaped the same as with a better pair of insoles. Imagine the increased benefits of an insole made from laboratory tested materials that have been scientifically proven to absorb shock, be resilient/resist break down, and dampen external forces. A few insoles on the market (i.e. rxsorbothane.com products) meet these criteria and are a beneficial investment. These insoles do not break the bank and come with a money back guarantee. They will provide immediate, as well as long lasting, benefits for anyone who is on their feet all day.

There are some other issues that need to be addressed but may not be brought up often enough. It is imperative that your weight is kept within a healthy range so that your body can handle the stress of standing all day. Excess weight places increased stress on the joints and makes ambulation and activity difficult. The weight can cause physical changes to the joints, and bones. Many times, the arches will drop, feet will overpronate, and the back will curve excessively to help balance the body. All of these changes and adjustments can lead to pain and injury. Insoles, arch supports, and therapy may be beneficial, but weight loss will have the greatest positive effect. Maintaining a good level of fitness will also help the individual who is on their feet all day. Strong conditioned muscles and tendons are able to take on increased loads over a longer period of time. The primary muscles can create necessary motions and the supporting muscles are less likely to breakdown. A person who does some form exercise on a regular basis has increased blood flow, increased capacity to intake/use oxygen, and increased ability to fight fatigue. An exercise program should include stretches that incorporate all major muscles. Special attention should be paid to the calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and low back. Tight calves are often the culprits behind ’shin splints’, Achilles tendon pain, plantar fasciitis pain, and general foot pain.

Being able to focus on something other than achy feet will make a person more productive and attentive. It is important to address the concern from as many angles as possible. Change what you can, modify what you cannot, and prepare yourself properly. Anyone who is on their feet all day must assess: their footwear, their working surface, their fitness level, and their weight and flexibility. Finally, highly consider a good pair of supportive, cushioning insoles that have been proven to have a long life.