The Long Haul: How Standing Too Much Impacts Your Health
Prolonged standing may seem like a mark of productivity and endurance, but there can be hidden costs to your body from it. From sore feet to long-term health issues, being on your feet too long is more than simply uncomfortable. So whether your job requires long hours standing up or you simply find yourself standing for prolonged periods throughout the day, it’s time to assess what this habit does to your wellbeing and determine ways to address it.
Photo by Hanna Postova on Unsplash
The Silent Struggles of Standing
Let’s first address what might appear like an innocent activity, standing. While sitting is widely seen as harmful for modern health, extended standing can have detrimental consequences that go beyond its aesthetic appeal. While we usually think of sitting as the chief source of discomfort, extended periods spent standing can wreak havoc on your body in subtle yet serious ways. From lower back ache and ankle swelling to varicose veins, standing requires your muscles and joints to work against gravity constantly. A bit of standing is fine while waiting in lines or when performing light activities, but when hours-end? That’s where the trouble starts.
The Physical Toll of Prolonged Standing
Spending long hours standing can take its toll on the body. Here are some important areas affected:
Foot Pain and Fatigue
Our feet were meant to carry us, yet standing all day can put them through extreme strain, leading to sore arches, persistent heel pain (hello plantar fasciitis) and eventually fatigue that spreads up your legs.
Nerve Pain
Prolonged standing can exert undue strain on the nerves in your lower body, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Which manifests as tingling, numbness or sharp, burning pain in your feet and legs. Over time, compressed nerves from poor posture or repetitive stress may worsen, making standing increasingly uncomfortable.
Joint Stress
Prolonged standing puts a tremendous amount of strain on your knees, hips and ankles. Without movement for too long can put excessive strain on these joints, increasing stiffness and pain over time. For people living with pre-existing arthritis conditions or other joint issues such as SIJD (Spinal Artery Dysfunction Disorder), prolonged standing can worsen these issues further and hinder mobility overall.
Why Movement Is Important
Movement can help combat the negative impacts of prolonged standing. Movement should be balanced between sitting, standing and walking activities. Just taking an hourly stroll can greatly enhance circulation, reduce joint tension and reset your posture. Stretching exercises that target legs, lower backs or feet are proven effective ways of relieving tension built up from standing for too long.
Practical Solutions for Long Days on Your Feet
If standing all day is unavoidable, there are several effective strategies you can use to minimize discomfort and even the health risks:
- Invest in Supportive Footwear: When it comes to protecting yourself and avoiding injuries, shoes should be your first line of defense. Select footwear with sufficient arch and heel support, while avoiding shoes that are either too flat or high heeled.
- Anti-Fatigue Mats: If you work long shifts at one location, such as on a shop floor or at a standing desk, consider purchasing an anti-fatigue mat to reduce impact on your feet and legs and provide much-needed relief.
- Compression Socks: By increasing circulation and decreasing risk factors such as varicose veins, compression socks make for an effective preventative solution when on their feet for extended periods of time. They’re an intelligent option for anyone spending hours at a time on their feet.
- Nerve Pain Cream: Topical nerve pain cream can be a great solution for those experiencing burning, tingling, or numbness in their feet from standing all day. Be sure to select a cream that contains natural ingredients and follow all recommended usage instructions.
Conclusion
Standing is an inevitable component of life, and in moderation can be beneficial. However, overdoing it can become harmful. By understanding the risks associated with standing for prolonged periods and taking protective steps against being on your feet for too long and understanding when to take breaks (whether that means using a comfortable chair, supportive shoes, or simply stretching between shifts), you can preserve your health while taking on daily tasks with confidence. Your body deserves breaks so listen when it’s signalling for one.
