Teachers, healthcare workers, retail workers, and others with a normal routine usually have to stand for long periods of time. Although we tend to assume that standing is less strenuous than walking around the clock, we are often unaware of the effects of standing on foot structure. Foot structure changes due to the countless hours of standing have permanent effects on the foot structure, alignment, and muscle balance over time.
In order to avoid long-term, chronic pain and physical limitations, it is essential to know how repetitive standing alters the feet through gradual accumulation of stress, specific areas of load, and lack of proper rest or support. Every day that forces are applied to the feet in the same manner is another day of continued change until pain and discomfort become a reality.
The Human Foot's Dynamic Nature
The Foot consists of 26 bones, many joints and many lines of muscles and ligaments to absorb shock and let the foot respond to the body's movement. The foot thrives on variation. Walking and resting as well as changing positions allows tissues to recover and create balance.
When the foot is in a repetitive standing position, there is nothing to allow for this variation. As the foot continues to be "planted" or "anchored" to the ground, the muscles in the foot are continually engaged and the joints in the foot are continuously compressed. As the foot is compressed continuously over time, sustained compression creates changes in how the foot redistributes weight, which can result in flattening of the arches of the foot and creation of additional stress on the soft tissues of the foot.
Why It's More Difficult to Stand Still
When standing still, the foot has a unique set of demands placed on it than when walking, where the muscles can alternate contraction with relaxation, compared to how the muscles must continually make small adjustments while standing to create balance. These small mechanical adjustments while standing still are not large before they become difficult to maintain, but they are made constantly.
If the foot does not have the right support, over time the foot shifts into positions that create a sensation of less discomfort, but may also create a long-term effect on the structure of the foot. Therefore, choices for shoes worn while standing or non-walking would have a large amount of influence on the shoe's effect on the foot. Shoes such as women's slip on clogs, for example, typically appeal to consumers because they are easy to put on or remove, but the long term effect on the foot will totally depend on the internal support and stability of the shoe.
Structural Fatigue and Collapse of the Arch
The collapse of the arch is one of the most frequent changes seen with repeated weight-bearing (standing). The arches serve as natural springs and have the ability to compress and rebound from a load. However, if the arches remain continually loaded, they lose their ability to rebound and become structurally fatigued.
Footwear that has been constructed correctly with a designed supportive structure (usually using clogs as a basis for the supportive heel) will assist in maintaining the natural arch shape. Without these supportive structures, ligaments can be stretched beyond their optimum length resulting in permanent characteristic changes to foot postures as well as increased likelihoods of developing heel pain.
The Importance of the Heel and Rearfoot
The rearfoot (heel) supports a large percentage of one's body weight when standing for long periods of time. When one continuously stands, this constant pressure on the heel compresses the fatty cushion that protects the heel bone (calcaneus); as this cushioning compresses, it reduces its ability to absorb shock.
Supportive shoes (i.e., Cork Footbed Clogs) evenly distribute the entire weight of the body over the entire foot. This distribution helps protect the heel from being excessively compressed and promote balanced posture throughout the kinetic chain.
Muscle Balance and Foot Mechanics
Long periods of standing will use certain muscles in an ongoing fashion while others are not being used as much. This use of the involved muscle groups will change foot mechanics, as the intrinsic muscle fibres will become weaker, and stabilising muscle fibres will become overworked and therefore, become tight.
By wearing women's comfort clogs that allow for natural foot movement, individuals can reduce muscle imbalances over time. These types of footwear allow for the natural motion of the foot while simultaneously providing support, allowing the muscle to function more efficiently and effectively with a lower risk of excessive strain.
Toe Contact with by Foot
The problem of toe deformities and metatarsal pain are directly caused by repetitive standing, as the weight is shifted forward due to the imbalance developing due to muscle use patterns. This shift in weight forward puts increased pressure onto the ball of the foot, which changes the position and alignment of the toes over time, resulting in conditions like hammer toes and other similar problems.
A footbed clog designed with properly contoured fore-foot support distributes weight pressure away from the forefoot areas that are sensitive and need protection from long-term wear. A poorly designed footbed clog will create an absorbent area on the forefoot that will not adequately handle the stress of standing for long periods.
Effects of Hard Floors
Harder floors continue to be commonplace across modern work environments and increase the negative impact of standing on their users. Floors constructed of concrete, tile, or laminate offer no absorbency or as seen in nature; therefore, the feet must absorb the impact of every minor movement.
When worn with supportive cushioned footbeds, women choose leather clogs primarily based on their durability. However, if a clog's toe is constructed of a hard material with no internal structure, the impact of the floor is directly transmitted to the foot.
Skin, Circulation, and Fatigue
Standing for extended periods of time also negatively affects circulation. When blood is unable to flow as easily to the foot, swelling, heavy-feeling, and fatigue can quickly result. As tissue swells, the fit of the shoes changes, thereby increasing the number of pressure points and areas of discomfort.
Women’s suede clogs, which provide equal amounts of softness and structure, are better able to accommodate the changes of a foot's size during daily activity. A good fit with the cuff is critical for reducing friction while providing the support necessary to continue to work.
Long Term Stability & Alignment
Stability also provides overall alignment from toe to hip and prevents slips. An unstable base at the foot, such as if the foot rolls evenly left or to the right, creates instability in the ankle, which then affects the overall alignment of the knee and hip.
The design of these types of clogs (namely, featuring a buckle strap) helps secure the foot and limit excessive foot movement inside the clog. A well-fitted clog that fits is less likely to place excessive Stress on compensatory tissues.
The Psychological Impact of Strain in Your Feet
A painful foot does not usually remain isolated to your feet. Strain in your feet sends continuous messages to your brain which causes an increase in mental fatigue and decreases your ability to focus. Foot strain may lead to irritability and/or tiredness. Oftentimes, people do not even realize that their feet have a part in them feeling that way
When a person has supportive footwear, their feet are not under constant background stress, as they will feel more stable and supported and the brain will not need to continuously monitor their balance or discomfort.
Cushioning Alone Is Not Enough
Many believe that a thicker sole means better protection from injury, but while cushioning absorbs some of the force associated with walking, it does not allow proper foot mechanics. A sole that is too soft may actually increase instability and make your muscles do more work.
The most comfortable orthopedic clogs provide equal amounts of cushioning and structural strength, allowing for the best possible way to not only support your joints from the effects of repetitive stress, but also to allow your body to move naturally.
The Deformation of Bones and/Or Muscles due to Adaptation
The human body has an incredible amount of adaptability. However, some adaptations may not be beneficial to the body. Your feet will adapt to standing for long periods of time by redistributing your body's weight in ways that are tolerable for a short period of time; however, over time this can lead to an abnormal shape of your foot.
Supportive footwear supports the natural shape of the foot by keeping the foot aligned and allowing the body to load the foot evenly. As a result, this may prevent many of the changes that are typically associated with prolonged standing.
Healthy Relationships with Foot Structure Through the Choices We Make
Keeping your foot structure healthy is a proactive choice that you can make rather than a reactive one. Footwear should be designed with the natural shape of the foot and the body in mind, provide cushioning to reduce shock, and provide stability to prevent excessive motion.
Wear different pairs of shoes, sit down and rest regularly, and select shoe styles that are conducive to standing frequently. Many standing job activities may be converted from an experience of discomfort or pain to an enjoyable and healthier lifestyle by selecting the appropriate clogs.
Standing Does Not Have to Be Painful
While many are continuously required to stand, most people do not have to suffer from chronic foot pain caused by standing for long periods. Learning about the changes to your foot structure due to standing enables you to make informed choices that keep your feet healthy for a long time.
When shoes support the foot structurally, they allow the foot to be more resilient and active. Properly designed shoes that support the foot properly will enable the body to maintain its correct posture, lower the risk of soreness and fatigue, and allow the body to remain mobile for many years to come.
