With back to school right around the corner, we know our teachers are worried about one thing: sore feet from standing all day in your classroom. Unfortunately, there’s good reason for this concern: teachers and others whose jobs keep them on their feet have a higher risk for foot pain, heel pain and pain their Achilles tendon. But these concerns are, luckily avoidable. And all you have to do is follow some simple foot care tips from Dr. Evan Merrill and Dr. Devin Dimond, our podiatrists in Medford, OR.
Why Teachers Experience Sore Feet from Standing all Day ![teacher standing in front of students]()
Throughout the school day, teachers spend hours on their feet, taking kids to different activities, lecturing in front of the classroom, or keeping the playground peace at recess time. So, without the proper precautions, your feet can feel tired and achy at the end of the day…unless you engage in effective pre-care.
First of all, the shoes you choose are very important. Our top choice for teachers’ shoes would be sneakers or athletic styles with lots of support and cushioning. But if you need to wear more formal footgear in the classroom, you can still protect your feet. Pick pairs that are roomy, especially around the toes, to help reduce the risk of blisters and bunions. Look for shoes with padding in the heel, and support at the arch, to prevent foot pain and fatigue at the end of the day. Make sure the soles of your shoes have enough grip to keep you from slipping on slick or wet floors in the hallways or cafeterias. (This will lower your risk for ankle sprains or other injuries.) Never wear closed-toed shoes without socks, unless you want smelly, sweaty feet—and a serious case of athlete’s foot. Finally, be sure to choose socks made from natural materials, or designed to pull moisture away from your feet throughout the day. And avoid socks that are too thick or bulky for your selected shoe size, to reduce pain, friction and sore feet from standing all day in the wrong gear.
Know When to Get New Shoes, And When to Invest in Orthotics
Knowing when to replace your shoes is just as important as knowing what pair to pick in the first place. Especially if you want to prevent sore feet from standing all day. But how can you know when your shoes are past their prime? First, look for visible signs of deterioration, like holes on the shoe upper or uneven wear on the soles of your footwear. Also, look carefully at the treads on those soles—if they are very shallow or no longer apparent, you should also make a plan to go shoe shopping.
Now, if possible, you should try to have at least two pairs of work shoes, so you can wear your shoes every other day. This kind of alternating pattern allows shoes to air out between wearings, helping reduce the risk of fungal infections. Plus, it allows your shoes to rebound from the impact of a long day on your feet, meaning the cushioning can bounce back and provide optimal support the next time you slip them on.
Finally, you may need to invest in a pair of custom orthotics to protect your foot health throughout the school year. In addition to reducing the impact of a day spent on your feet, these custom made insoles can help correct any imbalances in your body, reducing your risk for chronic concerns such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
Self-Care Prevents Sore Feet from Standing All Day
While good shoes and orthotics will do a lot to protect your foot health, you may wish to invest in additional accessories. Many teachers benefit from standing on an anti-fatigue mat when they need to spend the day on their feet. This cushioned square can easily be moved around the room as you stand in different spaces; when you step on this device instead of the hard floor, it takes away some pressure and impact, making your feet feel better when you get home.
And when you are away from school, what else can you do to pamper your feet? Make sure to take a load off as soon as you can, taking a seat or lying down and elevating your feet above the height of your heart. This simple mood can reduce mild swelling in your feet and allow fluid to drain out of them, helping alleviate fatigue or discomfort. You could also try soaking your feet in warm water for additional soothing; afterward, grab y our moisturizer and give them a good rubdown, helping relieve muscle aches while softening your skin to prevent future concerns like cracked, bleeding heels.
Now, for most teachers, these simple rules can help prevent sore feet from standing all day. But, if you are entering the school year with chronic foot pain, or another underlying condition, you’ll need to seek treatment for your existing concerns before heading back to the classroom. Ready for your feet to feel great all throughout the day? We’re here to help! Just reach out to our Medford, Oregon podiatry practice to request a consultation. You can contact us through this online link or by calling the office at 541-776-3338.