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How Work Boots Benefit From The Use Of Insoles

How Work Boots Benefit From The Use Of Insoles - SelectFlex

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. 

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4 FOOT HEALTH TIPS FOR NURSES

 

 

SelectFlex is dedicating this Blog Article to the Nurses who take care of us all when we are sick and in need. Today is the start of National Nurse’s Week, which culminates on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the founder of modern nursing.

 

 

 Under normal circumstances, Nursing is a demanding profession but, lately it’s become even more stressful. Nurses are known for taking care of others at the cost of their own well-being. Lack of self-care can lead to excessive fatigue and personal health issues. When a nurse takes the time to care for themselves, not only do they feel better, but colleagues and patients benefit as well. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds to create a work-life balance in addition to being a nurse role model.

Nurses especially, but also teachers, construction workers, hospitality workers and anyone else who spends a great deal of time on their feet, know the toll standing for long periods can take on the body. If the job requires standing for lengthy periods without rest, it can cause a wide variety of problems, particularly if combined with poor posture or shoes that don’t provide adequate support. These issues, over time, go far beyond tired feet and can develop into chronic foot pain and other ailments like plantar fasciitis.

1. Prioritize Foot Care

When standing, the same foot muscles strain repeatedly, as pressure remains constant. However, when walking about, the pressure shifts to and from different areas of the foot because the same muscles aren’t working all the time. Tired, achy feet are normal after standing all day but if feet hurt in one particular area after a long shift, it may indicate a need for more foot support.

Foot and leg swelling is a common consequence of working on the feet all day Foot care specialist Tamika Saunders, owner of Priority Feet in Grayson, Georgia, suggests nurses also take time after work to soak their feet in warm water with Epsom salt for about 10 to 15 minutes to loosen tight muscles, which can decrease inflammation and soreness. Although spending time and money on proper foot care may seem like a low priority compared to other daily demands, nurses like Saunders have seen the ramifications of neglecting this part of the body. “We learn to take care of our eyes, our teeth, our hypertension, but we rarely take care of our feet until something serious develops,” she said. “If nurses start focusing more on foot care, there are ways to alleviate pain that we have become accustomed to living with on a daily basis.”

2. Keep Blood Flowing

According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), working in a standing position on a regular basis can lead not only to fatigue and lower back pain but can also cause other health problems such as sore feet, swollen legs and varicose veins. These are common complaints among Nurses whose jobs require them to stand for long periods during a shift and can often be remedied with enhanced blood flow.

A good starting point to increase blood flow and alleviate these problems is to wear knee-high compression socks. The compression of the socks pushes on the veins and in turn produces more blood flow. Nurses often use socks that are 15-20 mmHG (millimeters of Mercury). Higher levels of pressure may be uncomfortable and lower levels may not prevent swelling. For comparative context, the average pair of panty hose that women wear carry an 8-10 mmHG rating. Nurses who wear compression socks will feel better at the end of the day and will reduce the swelling in their lower extremities as well as decrease their risk of acquiring varicose veins (Nurse.com).

Once a shift is over, put your feet up and let the body relax. Like compression socks, elevating feet at the end of a shift (or whenever possible) helps recirculate blood that has pooled in the lower legs and return it to the heart and throughout the body.

3. Focus on Footwear

Of all the things nurses can do to care for their feet, wearing high-quality, comfortable shoes is the most important important (Pain Resource). Grueling 12-hour shifts seem to go by in a snap when you’re wearing the right shoes. You may be surprised to learn that supportive footwear does more than just help keep your feet from getting tired and sore. It also supports the rest of the body, especially lower back, knees, and ankles.

Wearing the wrong shoes while at work can either aggravate existing ailments or cause new ones (i.e. fatigue, foot pain, back pain). Shoes that do not provide adequate support can harm foot arches and, in turn, affect the back. Often a well-designed orthotic shoe insert that supports proper alignment can help prevent back pain.

4. Take Proactive Steps

Nurses should be fitted for new shoes or orthopedic insoles every year and two pairs are a must, so they can be rotated between shifts. Because a nurse’s shoes and insoles are subjected to so much wear and tear, they’ll need replacing every 3-6 months. (EveryNurse.Org) 

The best orthotics for foot pain provide cushioning to relieve walking and standing pressures, as well as arch support that lifts the foot into proper alignment with ankles, knees, hips, and back. Also look for cushioned arch support insoles that will return energy to feet with each step you take throughout a shift, no matter how long it is.

When nurses are suffering from pain and fatigue, they may be less energetic and productive. Not only does morale take a hit but, it may also lead to lost-time injuries. Thankfully, solutions exist today that can reduce the impact of a tough work environment on nurses' feet. A high-quality insole foot-bed is the answer to reducing pressure and discomfort, and can make a world of difference in how feet feel.

Adjustable Arch Lifting Support

Proper foot alignment is critical to relieving foot and joint pain, as well as preventing future issues for nurses on their feet all day. That’s why we created SelectFlex insoles with the first truly adjustable arch that molds to each individual foot shape. No two feet are alike yet, most over-the-counter insoles are “one size fits all.” A key benefit of SelectFlex insoles is they provide three adjustable arch height and comfort settings to dynamically realign feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back into optimal position for maximum comfort and support all day long. (EHS Daily Advisor).


These 4 tips offer an arsenal of pain-fighting, energy rejuvenating tools for healthier feet. When feet feel fine, it’s much easier to keep up with call-lights, doctor’s orders, tests or emergencies, and get through long days on the job. Nurses—take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you—so you can care for everyone else.

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WHY DO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS NEED FOOT SUPPORT?

construction worker

Construction is hard on your body and most especially your feet and joints. I am really proud of my job being a productive member of society fabricating infrastructure and buildings but have found in my later years my feet have begun to hurt at the end for the day.

Humans have walked on the planet for thousands of years, but over the past 200 years, our environment has changed significantly. Our feet are designed for a softer terrain, but today, we walk on mostly hard, flat concrete surfaces. This forces our feet to flatten and twist with every step, especially wearing heavy boots without the proper insoles.

FOOT PAIN ON THE JOB AND AT HOME

Even when I’m not at the construction site, my foot issues are made worse by our modern lifestyles. We are more sedentary in our daily lives than ever before, spending much of our time sitting in front of a computer screen, desk, or TV. Our feet are less accustomed to the same level of activity, so when we physically challenge ourselves, the joints, muscles and tendons are put under strain they are not used to.

Most boots come fitted with generic insoles that provide slight relief for a few days. I’ve found these cushioned inserts lack structure and offer minimal arch support. This leaves my feet and arches exposed to repetitive injury and pain due to lack of corrective support, especially as I age.

It took me years on the job before I figured out I can stay on my feet longer with the right kind of foot support, such as orthotic insoles for construction workers. Proper boot insoles that provide arch support help distribute your weight across your foot. Flat-footed people especially need foot support and should use a footwear insole with a deep heel cup to stabilize the back of the foot while distributing weight across the base uniformly.

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FINDING THE BEST INSOLES FOR BOOTS

After trying quite a few insoles that never seemed to get the job done, I discovered SelectFlex, the first arch adjustable insole that conforms to your arch, repeatedly lifting and supporting with every step throughout the day. As the best insoles for construction workers, SelectFlex allows you to adjust your arch support specifically to your foot with its PowerLifting Arch insoles, and the heel cup relieves the stress being on your feet can have on the rest of your body with a heel cup that provides up to 50% greater joint alignment and stability.

If you’re ready for a day on your feet with less pain, SelectFlex makes it easy with a money back guarantee! The only thing you have to lose is pain!

WITH YOUR PURCHASE SELECTFLEX™ YOU WILL ENJOY FIVE UNIQUE FEATURE BENEFITS NO OTHER INSOLE PROVIDES.

PowerLift Arch-Patented dynamic arch remains in constant contact with the arch of the foot to provide dynamic support on every down step and uplifting energy into every up step. Competitors provide down step support only.

PowerBeam-Provides dynamic arch support, absorbs energy on every down step and smoothly releases energy into the PowerLift Arch when you step off to help propel you forward.

PowerController- Adjusts amount of dynamic energy stored and smoothly released into the PowerLift Arch in perfect cadence to support your every step.

PowerCup-Optimally contoured heel cup delivers exceptional shock absorption, up to 50% greater ankle stability, safety and skeletal alignment for less stress on knees, hips and back.

Being on your feet all day takes a toll on your feet, joints, and back. Why wait any longer to do something about it. Get SelectFlex.

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