Taking the Pain Out of Working on Concrete Floors Q&A
Q: I have started working in retail again and my feet are starting to really hurt. I work two jobs, both on concrete floors, and at my second job I have to walk about 10 blocks after work to get to my car. My arches and bunions are aching! Help!
Gayle Ryan, Costa Mesa
A: Concrete floors are foot torture! I spent a few years in retail, and my best hours were after work, with my feet up on the wall while I laid flat on my back. Now that I do massage, I see a lot of people who feel stiff and achy in the arches and the balls of the feet.
Here are a few tips:
1: Get good shoes. Running and walking shoes can't stand up to concrete. Go to a uniform store or a professional shoe store and look at what they sell for nurses, chefs and servers. These shoes are well-padded and arched, with thick rubber soles.
2: Get those feet massaged. Arch and calf muscles tend to spasm after a few hours of standing, and as they contract they can develop painful micro-tears. A good deep-tissue massage of the arches and calves can get you a little more flexibility to survive the day.
3: Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts for about 20 minutes after work. Epsom salts relax muscles and improve flexibility.
As your feet start to feel better, try changing to a walking shoe during breaks and go for a little walk -- on something softer such as asphalt or dirt. Muscles like to move, and they will get better blood supply with some aerobic movement. On your days off, stay out of those big stores with endless aisles of polished concrete!
-- Sue
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