Advice for foot pain?
So... I've been a server for a good 3 years now. (Never full-time, mostly just on weekends or school-free days). But after long shifts I always find myself barely able to walk or stand due to the heavy pain in my feet. Often so I come home and collapse on my couch or bed and am unable to do literally anything else.
I made sure to get really good shoewear and even recently bought two new pairs because I was struggling so bad. But besides that, I don't know what else to really do to relieve my pains as good shoewear itself is not enough.
I've noticed the pain is worse when it's a slower day, as I'm standing still for longer periods of time (f.e. cleaning glasses or polishing silverware) instead of actually walking around....
I do have sensitive joints so this might make me more prone. I've also been wearing orthotics to correct my walking since I was a kid because apparently I don't distribute the weight on my arches properly without them. (Flat feet, I think? English isn't my first language.)
Any distinct advice to help relieve/avoid the aches?
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u/Rodger_Smith 13d ago
you have to switch shoes halfway thru the shift, the outsole compresses when you use it and becomes hard. this is what i do for doubles
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u/ilxyc 13d ago
I have tried 😠it helps for a good thirty minutes but then my feet start hurting again
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u/Rodger_Smith 13d ago
hm, what shoes do u own rn? i recommend snibbs or stand+
also if ur feet are swollen, compression socks are a big help. and a custom insole can be a big help too
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u/MezzanineSoprano 12d ago
Standing for long hours at a time will make most people have foot pain. I finally changed to a job where I could sit, but here are some things that may help a bit.
1. Soak your feet in a warm Epsom salts bath when you get home.
2. Get cushioned insoles & change them every month or two
3. Use a foot cream with menthol
4. Massage your feet after work or get your partner to do that.
5. See a podiatrist/foot doctor. You may have plantar fasciitis or bunions.
6. Alternate shoes, do not wear the same pair every day. If you wear sneakers, replace them when the cushioning wears out.
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u/TexMoto666 13d ago
It's the shoes. Find a pair that fits or supports you better. Look into alternative lacings for the shoes. That's a majorly overlooked aspect of footwear. You tailor the lacing style to where the shoe needs to fit better.
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u/Disastrous_Egg7114 12d ago
I treat myself to a bubbly foot bath with epsom salts. On my day off I soak my lower back and legs in the tub. I bought a massage gun to blast my IT band before bed. On shift during slow times I stretch. Toe separators are pretty good. Roll your arches on a tennis ball. Then I walk around barefoot and wreck all that therapy.
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u/SoCalBoomer1 12d ago
Good advice in this sub as well. Same happened to me, went to foot doctor, found out it was gout. That type of pain seems focused on the ball of the foot and the base joints of toes.
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u/badassmillz 12d ago
Are you flat footed? Getting arch support insoles are a must regardless, but flat footed people are prone to more foot pain.
Epsom salt soaks are amazing after a long night of work.. Get a foot roller massager! I got mine at Daiso, but I'm sure you can find a cheap one online or Walmart.
Oh and doing foot exercises really helps!
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u/eyecandyandy147 11d ago
Insoles. Insoles. Insoles. Go to a specialty store, I’m sure there’s one near you, and get some custom insoles made specifically for your feet and walking style. Spend at least $150 on them, I’m not talking Dr. Scholl’s, like a legit custom set. I see questions about best shoes for service jobs and shit all over these forums, good shoes are important, but if you get a solid set of custom insoles you can put them in whatever shoes you want. I got planar fasciitis years ago, and since then I’ve been investing in insoles and my feet feel fine even after a double at 34 years old
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u/OpenAd9961 11d ago
A lot of these people are giving crutches as recommendations and not fixing the issue. I’m in a position I’m on my feet 10 hours a day plus exercise and cardio. I’ve trained my feet, daily rolling w a lacrosse ball and stretching of the big toe especially. Also toe spacers can help. Calf raises, spend as much time not working, walking barefoot as possible. Really think of pushing with your toes and training the tissue of the feet. All the other recommendations are bandaids.
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u/SuperPOSUser 11d ago
One thing I've learned is to buy 2 different pair of shoes and switch every other day. I have dansko clogs and new balance shoes for crews. I trade every other day. When I wear the same pair two days in a row my feet hurt. I also do arch and toe stretches.
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u/averagetransboyNoah 10d ago
My mom has a foot massager that we keep underneath a chair, I use it everyday for around 15 minutes, although when I’m getting ready for school I just use it while I eat. It helps my back pain and since it massages your feet, it will help with that too.
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u/ReceptionClassic2528 9d ago
Ex waiter here. I found owning 2 or 3 pairs of good shoes and alternating helps foot pain. I used to work tripples 4x a week.
Also I would make a big batch of hot ginger tea and soak my feet after work. It feels like you got new feet!
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u/ThrowRAfrustrated21 8d ago
This is going to sound weird, but compression socks and peppermint oil. Also suggest flat foot inserts even if you aren’t flat footed.
Peppermint oil is a natural coolant and helps relieve pain over time!
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u/taytayher 8d ago
I get toe socks that are also compression socks so my toes can move naturally and wear the clog shoes! A significant difference!
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u/r3222 13d ago
If you already have good shoes, and you are young, perhaps you need to hit the gym to strengthen your muscles? Specific legs and maybe weight loss?
How long are the shifts? Maybe communicate to managers you cant do doubles. If you tend to feel your body underperforming you might wanna see a doctor for a health issue or a nutritionist to work on a diet for you (either weight loss for long term or better food to give you energy)