Being at work can be stressful enough without having to deal with aching feet. There are many jobs that require a lot of standing. Nurses, teachers, and cashiers all need to stay on their feet throughout the day. Restaurant workers wear special shoes to prevent foot pain. The average server walks 23,000 steps a day.

Buy the Best Shoes

It is important to buy high-quality shoes to wear to work when you are in a profession where you stand a lot. This is one area where it wouldn’t be wise to be thrifty. The phrase “penny wise and pound foolish” comes to mind. High-quality shoes will prevent long term problems like plantar fasciitis or varicose veins.

Epsom Salt

Soak your feet in Epsom salt at the end of the day. Also known as magnesium sulfide, this compound will break down when added to water. This results in a peaceful soak that will remedy many pain issues such as swollen feet, bruises, sore muscles, and irritated tendons. Epsom salt is cheap and can be found at any pharmacy.

Stretch Your Feet

A good way to prevent pain and strain on your feet is to do simple stretches in your downtime. You can stand facing a step, hold onto the railing, and let the heels of your feet hang out from the edge while the balls of your feet stay on the step. This is an easy way to stretch the tendons of your feet and leave the muscles loose and less prone to cramping. You can also lean forward against a wall and move your legs back, keeping your feet flat on the ground. This stretches the entire calf and improves mobility.

Reflexology Massage

Whether you believe in reflexology or not, a good foot massage can be great at relieving all the sore spots on your feet after a long week of work. If you can’t afford a professional, ask your friend or partner to try it. Reflexology charts and how-to guides are easy to find on the internet. You can make it into a game. “I’m pressing on your kidney. Can you feel it?”

Gel Socks

Gel socks are very popular presents for the holidays. These moisturizing socks are infused with a cooling gel that soothes your feet and restores healthy skin. Just slip on a pair before you go to sleep at night and let them do their work. Dry, cracked skin and aching muscles will dramatically improve after soaking in the gel socks for several hours. They also come in fun and festive patterns and designs.

There are many creative ways that you can treat and prevent the foot pain you get from standing all day at work. Try these, and see if you can come up with some of your own!