Work-Related Foot Pain in Plymouth: Causes and Relief

If you spend long days standing or walking in Plymouth, you’re not alone. Many working professionals and active older adults experience work-related foot pain from being on their feet all day. This common issue leads to tired, sore feet and can even cause long-term problems if ignored. The good news is that with the right steps, including proper footwear and support, you can relieve pain and keep your feet comfortable.

Why Standing or Walking All Day Hurts Your Feet

Standing or walking for hours puts constant pressure on your feet. This reduces blood flow (causing swelling and fatigue) and strains the muscles and ligaments in your feet and ankles. Over time, daily strain can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain), Achilles tendon problems, or bunions. Hard surfaces and unsupportive shoes make the impact worse. In short, your feet ache because they’re working overtime to support you all day long!

Who Is at Risk of Work-Related Foot Pain?

Many jobs require you to be on your feet all day. People working in retail, healthcare (NHS staff), education (teachers), or hospitality often stand or walk for hours with few breaks. If you spend 8+ hours rushing around on hard floors, it’s no surprise your feet feel achy by evening. In fact, a UK study of retail workers found that 79% are on their feet for 4 to 10 hours each day, and many reported foot pain and reduced comfort as a result. Any occupation with long standing or walking hours can put you at risk, from shop assistants and nurses to chefs and factory workers.

Supportive Footwear and Custom Orthotics: How They Help

One of the best ways to prevent and ease foot pain is to wear comfortable, supportive shoes at work. For example, the NHS recommends shoes with plenty of room for your toes, a low heel, and a soft cushioned sole to reduce foot pain. Shoes that lack support can cause foot strain and pain over time, so it’s worth investing in quality footwear. When choosing comfortable shoes for work, look for:

  • Proper fit: no squeezing or rubbing (ensure correct length and width)
  • Good arch support: to help distribute pressure
  • Cushioned soles: shock-absorbing soles reduce impact on joints
  • Secure, snug design: shoes with laces or straps that hold your foot in place (better than loose slip-ons)

By wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, you’ll relieve pressure on the bottoms of your feet and ankles. Custom orthotics (special shoe inserts) are another excellent option for relief. These tailor-made insoles provide extra support exactly where your feet need it. They help to distribute pressure evenly, improve your foot alignment, and reduce fatigue from standing. If you have persistent foot pain despite good shoes, orthotics can significantly reduce strain and are often recommended by podiatrists. Even simple cushioned insoles or gel pads from a pharmacy can add comfort by easing pressure on sore spots.

Do not ignore foot pain. Little changes like wearing better shoes or using orthotics can make a big difference. Most importantly, listen to your feet. If they’re hurting every day, it’s a sign to take action.

Ready for Relief? Free Foot Assessments in Plymouth

You don’t have to just live with work-related foot pain. With the right support, you can stay active and pain-free on the job. Foot Solutions Plymouth is here to help with friendly, expert advice. Book a free foot assessment in Plymouth to find out how we can relieve your foot pain. Our team will check your feet and recommend comfortable shoes or custom orthotics tailored to you. Give your hard-working feet the care they deserve.

Book your free assessment today at footsolutionsplymouth.co.uk/book-now.

A man is holding a pair of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Steve Morgan

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
A man holding a pair of shoes in front of a foot solutions sign

Colin Haylock MBE

March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
A woman is holding two pairs of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Heather Paine

March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”