Standing all day can have a significant impact on your body and overall health. Here are some of the effects of standing all day and ways to mitigate them:

1. Musculoskeletal pain: Standing for long periods of time can lead to pain and discomfort in the feet, legs, back, and neck. This is because standing puts more pressure on the muscles and joints, leading to strain and fatigue. To mitigate this, it's recommended to take frequent breaks and stretch your legs, back, and neck.
2. Varicose veins: The constant pressure on the legs while standing can cause the veins to become dilated and twisted, leading to varicose veins. To reduce the risk, it's recommended to wear compression stockings, elevate your legs when possible and avoid high heels.
3. Poor circulation: Standing for long periods of time can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet, leading to poor circulation. This can cause numbness, tingling, and fatigue. To reduce the risk, it's recommended to take frequent breaks and move around, keep the feet elevated,and avoid tight clothing (Candian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety).
4. Increased risk of heart disease: Studies have shown that standing for long periods of time can increase the risk of heart disease. This is because standing for long periods can cause the blood to pool in the legs, leading to an increase in blood pressure. To reduce the risk, it's recommended to take frequent breaks and move around, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
5. Fatigue: Standing for long periods of time can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. This is because the muscles in the legs and feet are working harder than they would be when sitting. To reduce the risk, it's recommended to take frequent breaks, move around and stretch (National Institute of Health).
6. Reduced productivity: Standing for long periods of time can lead to reduced productivity and concentration, making it harder to complete tasks and stay focused. To reduce the risk, it's recommended to take frequent breaks and move around, keep the feet elevated and make sure that the workspace is ergonomic.
7. Increased risk of falls: Standing for long periods of time can lead to fatigue, which can increase the risk of falls. To reduce the risk, it's recommended to take frequent breaks, move around and stretch.
8. Reduced sleep quality: Standing for long periods of time can lead to poor sleep quality and insomnia. This is because the muscles are sore and fatigued, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. To reduce the risk, it's recommended to take frequent breaks, move around and stretch, and avoid standing for long periods of time before bed.

It's important to note that people who have pre-existing health conditions such as varicose veins, heart disease, or diabetes may be at a higher risk of experiencing negative effects from standing all day. If this is the case, it's recommended to consult with a doctor before starting a new work schedule or exercise routine (Medical News Today).

In conclusion, standing all day can have a significant impact on your body and overall health. To mitigate these effects, it's recommended to take frequent breaks and move around, stretch, elevate the feet, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly (Runners World).  Additionally, it's important to consider ergonomic workspace and choose comfortable shoes….and work supportive, comfortable insoles if needed.  If you experience any pain or discomfort, consult a doctor or physical therapist for personalized recommendations.

Consider Wearing SelectFlex Adjustable Orthotics to Help Relieve the effects of standing all day. 

                                                        FOLLOW US

Insoles, also known as shoe inserts, can provide a variety of benefits for those who work on their feet for long periods of time. The added support and cushioning can help reduce the risk of injuries and improve overall comfort, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction (Tread Labs).

One of the main benefits of insoles is arch support. Many people have different foot types and arch shapes, and insoles with built-in arch support can help distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing strain on the heel and ball of the foot. This can help prevent common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and flat feet. Furthermore, insoles that provide arch support can also help realign the foot and leg, which can reduce the risk of lower back, knee and hip pain (Upstep).

Cushioning is another important benefit of insoles. Standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods of time can put a lot of stress on the feet and legs, leading to fatigue, discomfort, and pain. Insoles can provide additional cushioning to the foot, helping to reduce impact and improve comfort. This can help to reduce the risk of injuries such as stress fractures and can also help to alleviate pain caused by existing foot conditions.

Shock absorption is another key benefit of insoles. When walking or running, the foot strikes the ground with significant force, which can lead to injuries if not properly absorbed. Insoles can help absorb shock, which can help reduce the risk of injuries such as stress fractures, shin splints, and heel spurs. Additionally, insoles like SelectFlex with good shock-absorption can also help to reduce fatigue, making it easier to work for long periods of time without feeling tired.

Temperature regulation is another important aspect of insoles. Feet can get hot and sweaty, especially when working in environments with high temperatures or heavy physical activity. Some insoles are made with materials that can help regulate temperature, keeping feet cool and dry. This can help to reduce odors and prevent fungal and bacterial growth, keeping feet healthy and comfortable.

Odor control is another important benefit of insoles. Feet can produce a lot of sweat, which can lead to unpleasant odors. Some insoles are treated with antimicrobial agents to help control odor. This can help to reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial growth, which can cause infections and odors.

Customization is another important aspect of insoles. Every person's feet are unique, and off-the-shelf insoles may not provide the best fit. Insoles can be made to fit the specific shape and size of a person's foot, providing a more customized and comfortable fit. This can help to reduce the risk of injuries and improve overall comfort, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Customization, especially in arch support can primarily be found in SelectFlex insoles.

In summary, insoles can provide a range of benefits for those who work on their feet for long periods of time. Arch support, cushioning, shock absorption, temperature regulation, odor control, and customization are all important aspects of insoles that can help to reduce the risk of injuries, improve overall comfort and lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. It's important to note that not all insoles are created equal and it's always good to seek professional advice when it comes to foot related issues. A qualified podiatrist can help you find the right insoles for your needs and work environment.

Consider Wearing SelectFlex Adjustable Orthotics to Help Enhance Your Work Boots. 

Follow Us

Understanding Productivity For The Work Environment

Workers who walk or stand for long periods of time during their workday, without proper foot support and shock absorption, are susceptible to pain and harmful musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can have lasting effects on the body. Just as steel-toe footwear is often required as personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, insoles are essential for preventing pain and fatigue.

If workers spend hours on their feet, there is an increased risk for inflammation and excess muscle fatigue that could be avoided with proper foot support and insole comfort. Aches and pains in the body associated with foot issues can also impact workers knees and back. Understandably, this can result in reduced employee work productivity, lower morale and increased absenteeism.  Thankfully, solutions exist today that can reduce the negative impact of the environment on employees’ feet.

Healthy Feet Start With Smart Corporate Decision Making

In order to address foot and lower extremity issues within their workforce, companies are predominantly choosing between insoles and floor matting. Personal insoles offer numerous advantages over floor mats (Occupational Health & Safety).  These benefits include:

• Portability: Insoles can be implemented instantly without training and go wherever the worker goes. This makes them an ideal solution for both stationary and mobile workers who work both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, when a worker walks away from their workstation, the comfort stays with them. This option also protects employees who walk to and from work, ensuring they arrive and leave without strained or sore feet.
• Personalize Comfort: Employees can select the type of insole that best matches their needs, allowing for personalized comfort for workers based on their foot size and arch type.
• Direct Contact with the Body: As insoles are placed inside the footwear, they have 100 percent surface contact with the feet and body, 100 percent of the time, providing a reliable ergonomic solution. Therefore, they’re far more effective than the standard anti-fatigue floor mats at reducing muscle strain, improving balance reactions and increasing blood circulation. This helps to prevent pain and injuries.
• Reduced Risk: Insoles reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls, making the workplace safer and lowering expenses related to workers’ compensation claims. Facilities that utilize matting, must make sure to keep the surfaces clean and well-maintained so that they remain intact and the edges don’t curl up and create tripping hazards.
• Less Maintenance: Insoles are often machine washable, making them extremely easy to keep clean compared to mats that build up dirt over time. 
• Easy to Implement: Insole programs are simple to implement, particularly if you have conducted a wear test trial with a key group of employees first.
• Cost Effective: Insoles are more affordable than floor matting.  Top end cost for a floor mat is approximately $200 with higher end insoles at approximately ¼ that cost.

Rather than an afterthought, the right insoles should be considered as a necessary complement to any corporate health and wellness program.  Implementing a company insole program is an important decision and all aspects should be considered, including employee involvement, to ensure the program meets the needs of all workers, and has a positive impact and acceptance rate.

How To Make Those Workers’ Feet Happy

The rank and file know that proper supportive insoles will help address physical work requirements such as prolonged standing, static postures, over-exertion and repetitive motion.  The right insole provides better balance and overall lower body alignment.  This in turn reduces aches, pain and injuries on the job.  Another added benefit is that once an insole program is instituted, the confidence level for safety leaders will be increased (Corporate Wellness Magazine). 

Finding an insole provider that offers numerous customizable and comfortable options allows companies and employees to explore a range of solutions for both plant/ warehouse and office workers.  Insoles that provide shock absorption can be used to prevent health and pain issues, while others provide more support to align the foot into the proper neutral position.

A new insole, SelectFlex provides companies with a unique and cost effective way to offer their employees dynamic customization for their arch while, providing maximum comfort.  With SelectFlex PowerLift Arch suspension system, the wearer is able to control the support level and dynamic firmness provided to the arch.  This unique Arch-Control Insole has earned SelectFlex the honor as Best Foot Protection Product of 2020 by Industrial Safety & Health News (ISHN Awards).  Additionally, this superior technology will translate to improved employee foot health, reduced fatigue, higher productivity and lower injury/illness associated costs.

Different work activities, types of footwear and other factors within a corporation can impact the level of safety, comfort and support required. Therefore, it’s important to provide anti-fatigue solutions with multiple customization options. SelectFlex allow users to adjust support easily and quickly when these factors impact comfort, support and balance.