Plantar Fasciitis in the Workplace

Every year, millions of people are affected by plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition. This condition can be extremely painful and lead to ongoing discomfort in the long run.

Individuals who are regularly engaged in occupations that involve them standing or walking for extended periods are more prone to developing a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This includes various job roles that expose workers to factors such as hard surfaces, prolonged sitting, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and increased stress levels. Such occupational hazards significantly increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis among these workers.

Hard Floors

Certain types of flooring, including hard floors like hardwood, laminate, concrete, ceramic tile, and glass tiles, as well as natural stone and rubber mats, have been known to contribute to discomfort in the feet, knees, and lower back, which can ultimately result in the development or exacerbation of Plantar Fasciitis. This common foot condition is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, causing pain and mobility issues. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential implications of these flooring choices on one’s overall foot health and the prevention of conditions like Plantar Fasciitis.

One way to help prevent this condition is by installing anti-fatigue casters on the floor at your workstation. These casters are specifically designed to reduce foot stress and can also help guard against slips and falls.

Maintaining your hard floors requires regular cleaning to keep them free from moisture and germs. Utilizing anti-bacterial cleaners with dedicated floor cleaners is an effective way to safeguard employees and customers against infections that could reduce productivity levels.

In addition to eating healthily and exercising regularly, getting enough sleep each night is also key. Altering your posture often while at work will reduce pressure on your feet and prevent Plantar Fasciitis.

Sitting For Long Periods

Sitting for extended periods of time can have detrimental effects on our health. Studies have linked it to several issues, such as heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancers.

Sitting for prolonged periods can weaken and wilt away the large leg and gluteal muscles, leading to instability when walking. Furthermore, sitting can impair digestion by storing fats and sugars as fat instead of using them for energy production.

Increased fat accumulation in the legs may lead to varicose veins or spider veins, as well as increasing your risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

Workers in sedentary jobs should be encouraged to take regular breaks from sitting and to exercise regularly. They should aim for standing up as much as possible and take short seated breaks every hour or so.

Poorly Fitted Footwear

Shoes that are too tight around the foot or do not provide adequate arch support can lead to a variety of foot issues, including plantar fasciitis and bunions. Workers who frequently wear work boots that are too snug around their feet or do not provide arch support could develop this painful condition.

Additionally, shoes that don’t fit properly can cause painful blisters on other parts of the foot due to excessive friction and rubbing.

Shoes that are too tight can cram the toes together, leading to hammertoes or painful corns on the feet. Furthermore, shoes may increase the likelihood of developing other foot conditions like lesser toe deformity (mutilation of one or more toes) and calluses, or calluses.

Stressful Jobs

People who must work long hours or whose jobs change rapidly may experience stress. These changes may bring on fear, uncertainty and a sense of helplessness.

Some people experience high stress in jobs with unrealistic deadlines or expectations. For instance, a secretary who must meet the needs of an expansive organization or a middle manager tasked with responding to client needs within a certain timeline can be highly stressful situations.

Occupational stress has been linked to the development of several health issues, such as musculoskeletal disorders, mental health disorders and workplace injury. Furthermore, research suggests that certain jobs with emotionally demanding duties may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.