Tips for Standing Work #1 – Standing Mats & Shoes

Our bodies were not designed to stand, so this is a task that our bodies are not originally designed to do well. If you’ve ever stood on a hard surface for an hour, you might feel the outcome of continuous loading on the knee and back joints leading to articular fluid inside the joints to get pushed to the side. Blood naturally follows gravity pooling to the lower extremities and a feeling of pressure on the soles of feet.

So you say “no problem,” I can endure, however, blood pooling to the lower extremities is a significant health problem. It can lead to swollen ankles and varicose veins. Blood, as it leaves the heart, under pressure is pushed throughout the body through arteries. However, gravity plays a part too, especially importance as it needs to return to the heart through veins. Veins are equipped with one-way valves, and it’s the push of the next batch of blood that keeps the blood moving along on the return trip. Muscle contraction helps to push the blood back and one issue is that veins are slightly elastic. If the muscles are not helping the process along, the veins start to stretch, and blood starts to pool.

One way to counter act the blood pooling in the extremities and continuous loading on the joints is to use anti-fatigue matting. This is a soft surface that you stand on allowing for a slightly unstable surface under your feet. Leg muscles cyclically contract and relax to help maintain balance and this action pumps the fluids up from the extremities, back to the heart. Also, wearing comfortable shoes can a similar positive effect and combining these two is better

When adding anti-fatigue mats to your workplace, ensure it is safe and appropriate for the environment. Some intended for wet or slippery areas like in a kitchen while others are best for an office setting. A beveled edge and markings will help reduce tripping hazards.