How often do you think about your feet? They go through so much and they’re usually taken for granted. Working long shifts on your feet, walking thousands of steps a day and sometimes wearing the most uncomfortable of shoes, it's surprising our feet don't go on strike!
As we use our feet every day, it's important we look after them otherwise we'll regret it as we get older. Here are a few things you can do to ease those aches and pains.
Wear the Right Shoes for Work
The first thing to do is make sure you're wearing the right shoes for work. When buying shoes for work, you need to make sure they're comfortable, supportive, durable and offer breathability. Shoes made of premium materials that have been treated to repel water keep your feet dry and strategic design elements (like mesh patches) let your feet breathe, keeping them cool during a busy shift.
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Slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of accidents for waitresses across Europe. They’re the main cause of accidents that have resulted in more than three days’ absence from work. You’ll have to deal with all kinds of hazards at work so make sure you’re protected with the right pair of shoes.
Plus, well designed shoes will help look after your feet, as will these other suggestions...
Look After Your Feet with Exercise
When you're working long and busy hours, you need to be concentrating on the job rather than being distracted by foot pain. It's important to look after your feet as you can be putting yourself at risk of arthritis and other painful conditions.
One excellent foot care tip for waitresses is exercise. After a long shift, the thought of doing exercises at home isn't especially appealing but we've collected some of the quickest and most effective exercises you can do whilst sitting on the couch.
- Stretch the soles of your feet - Get a round object like a plastic bottle or tin can and place it beneath the arch of your foot. Use the circular shape to roll your foot forwards and backwards to stretch the muscles and release any tension.
- Flex and wriggle - Ideal for sitting on the couch and takes only two to three minutes. Raise your feet into the air and flex your feet, draw circles and wriggle your toes.
- Toe grip - This is a fun little exercise. Get a tablecloth or your sock and place it on the floor in front of you. Use your toes to pick it up and hold it in the air for 15 seconds. Drop it and do the same with your other foot. This strengthens your muscles and helps to improve your balance.
- Calf raise - Using one foot at a time, stand on your toes and balance. Hold the position for 10-15 seconds, then drop and do the same with the other foot. Do 10 reps with each foot and feel your muscles stretch from your calves to your toes.
If you're standing up all day, you can do feet exercises at work to help you stretch your muscles and alleviate any tension in your limbs.
Clean Feet are Happy Feet
Walking around in your shoes for long periods of time means your feet are likely to get warm and sweaty. This is the perfect environment for fungal infections to thrive. Scrub and clean your feet every day to remove potentially harmful organisms and keep your feet clean and fresh.
Relax!
The amount of hours your feet work every week, they deserve some occasional TLC. Feet massages are excellent for dispelling stress and tension. Just like having a back massage, after a foot massage, you’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
You can give yourself a foot massage or get someone else to help you out. Use aromatherapy lotion or oil and smooth it onto your foot. Rub the top of your foot firmly with your thumbs and slowly descend to your heel. You want to be using a firm and comfortable pressure to be remove any tension from your muscles. Do the same with the next foot and repeat the process three or more times.
If you're not keen on massages, there are other treatments you can enjoy.
- Use a pumice stone to rub away dead skin, leaving your feet feeling soft and fresh.
- Treat your feet to a luxury foot spa. This is a delightful water therapy treatment you can enjoy without touching your feet.
- Having fish pedicures are a popular luxury treatment for feet. Garra rufa fish (aka Doctor Fish) can nibble the dead skin away.
Want to Find Out More on How to Buy the Right Shoes for Work?
Shoes For Crews (Europe) create slip-resistant shoes that are made of durable material, comfortable to wear and have strong support. The right shoes for work offer many benefits and help to maintain the health of your feet.
See how our shoes can keep you safe and comfortable in our latest guide.
