Most people know that prolonged sitting is not healthy. But neither is working standing for long periods of time. When your work requires you to stand for long periods, symptoms such as varicose veins, tired legs and lower back pain can occur. Also, people who stand for long periods of time are at twice the risk of cardiovascular disease than those who do sedentary work. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to remedy this. We list them for you below. Read on quickly!
Working in a sedentary position
It may sound a bit like an open door, but the most obvious solution for prolonged standing work is to sit as much as possible. If possible, try to alternate between sitting and standing as much as possible. If you can manage to sit in between, this will relax your back and legs and your symptoms will be reduced.
Sit-stand workstation
If your work requires you to stand for long periods of time, you can choose to create a sit-stand workstation. Here, you place a high chair near your workplace and alternate between sitting and standing. The alternation improves blood circulation, reduces muscle fatigue and decreases back and neck pain.
Breaks
Try to take regular breaks from work. And sit down during breaks. This will give your legs and back the rest they need and allow them to get on with it. But exercise is also essential. This will stimulate the circulation again and make you feel energetic afterwards. Try to alternate sitting and moving when you take small breaks.
Ergonomic tribal mats
A tribal mat is also called an anti-fatigue mat. This is a mat with a textile top layer. By working on a tribal mat, you prevent painful and restless legs. The surface of the mat is very soft and this reduces static pressure on your legs and feet.
Soft soles and insoles
When you wear shoes with soft soles, your feet will be much less likely to swell. Wearing insoles increases comfort when you frequently work while standing. Both also offer great support, making your feet and legs less tired.
Standing support or saddle stool
A standing support is used as a change when you do long periods of standing work. Leaning on the standing support relieves your legs. The standing support can only be used as support, you cannot sit on it all day. The optimum working height is 10 centimetres lower compared to working standing up.
Support stockings
Support stockings can help with tired legs. The stockings prevent swelling of the feet. Support stockings from the low and moderate compression class are very efficient to wear at work. People who do not experience any symptoms are best to wear stockings with very light compression.
Footrest
When standing for long periods of time, you are very likely to have aching legs and back. You can use a footrest for this. Standing with one foot on the footrest now and then, alternating these feet, will reduce back and leg pain.
Ordering ergonomic devices?
Podobrace has several ergonomic aids that provide support for standing work. If you would like more information about these products, please do not hesitate to contact our highly knowledgeable customer service team. They are happy to help you with all your questions. They can be reached via e-mail, live chat and telephone.
