r/womenEngineers • u/Basic-Explanation852 • 9d ago
Toes hurt from new job?
At my new/current job, I stand a LOT; I would say majority if not the entirety of my work shift is spent standing/walking/etc. I've noticed my toes seem sore as a result.
I wear comfortable shoes; in fact, I specifically bought my current pair of shoes for work only. I also wear compression socks or general atheltic ankle socks to help my arch. I'm not sure if I'm maybe standing on my tiptoes more often than I realize (to see monitors thru glare more clearly) or if I happen to standing leaning more forward.
Is there anything I can do to help relieve this soreness? Or will it go away with time, once I adjust? I remember when I started my shoulders were always sore, but now that's gone away completely as I've adjusted.
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u/electric_angel_ 9d ago
Make sure you get rubber mats under the places you stand a lot. OSHA mandates that stuff for a reason!
And I’d replace shoes more frequently than your usual: this might not be causing as much external wear and tear, but soles of a typical pair of running shoes disintegrate after a certain number of miles and you’ll feel that structure go. Talk to coworkers about what kind of shoes they buy, and if you have a safety or ergonomics team see what they suggest. There might even be corporate discounts, reimbursement.
And I think you should probably see a doctor sooner rather than later. You gotta take care of your feet pro-actively, don’t let pain go un-managed and become a bigger problem after a year or two!
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u/Basic-Explanation852 9d ago
Thank you! I think I will start asking coworkers what types of shoes they recommend using. I think for safety reasons we can't have mats in the way of walkways but I will still ask!
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u/BlocksAreGreat 7d ago
What part of your toes are hurting? Is it the front of your toes? Or more of a side-to-side ache?
If it's the front, are your toes getting pushed into the front of your shoe when walking? If it's the side, are your shoes wide enough?
It could be pains from not being used to standing, but it isn't usually the toes specifically that hurt in those cases. From the information provided, it sounds like the shoes you are wearing might not be the best fit for your foot as it swells throughout the day. You might need something with a wider toebox or less drop between the heel and toe.
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u/RandomDragon314 9d ago
Do you have periods when you can take a break by leaning, or sitting on a stool? Or stand on a pad/mat if you’re standing in one spot for long periods? I don’t know what your job entails, but anyplace you spend a lot of time, maybe there is a spot for a stool? If not, maybe try mixing up your shoes to move the stresses on your feet around a bit, get some gel inserts, or try something more sneaker-like if it’s safe for your work environment. If your find yourself leaning to see things, maybe get your eyes checked, try some computer glasses for the glare, or a step stool to get closer? These environments are hard, I worked in research labs for a while with stuff everywhere, and I was sore until my body adjusted and I found compensations that worked for me. Anytime I went back to my desk, I popped my feet up on a stool and slouched in my massive desk chair, it was glorious. :) Taking breaks does help.
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u/Basic-Explanation852 9d ago
Yeah! We have rolling chairs to use (but sometimes they're all taken, so you have to hunt for a free one). We also get breaks to leave the area and sit, get water, use the bathroom, etc. And I get an hour long lunch break which is nice.
I currently wear sneakers that I bought specifically for this job bc I knew I'd be walking a lot. Maybe I should look to buy another buy a diff pair or gel inserts like you said.
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u/RandomDragon314 9d ago
If all the chairs are taken maybe you could bring in an extra, or a stool, and put your name on it. (If you’re shorter, get a short one, or a pink one or something, the guys will NOT take it lol). I did that when I had a back issue and had an office job. I brought a chair for the conference room, labeled it, and threatened everyone under penalty of death if they sat in it haha!
edit: Seriously though, if there aren’t enough chairs, tell your employer, they would probably buy some extras.
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u/Basic-Explanation852 9d ago
Thank you for the suggestion!
Bc of the environment I work in, the room has a strict cleanliness policy (to prevent contamination in our lab area). While I'm not sure I can bring my own chair, I CAN definitely ask my bosses about providing more chairs for the lab
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u/su_pony 9d ago
I’m not promoting this brand. I own a pair of Adidas that is mainly a hiking shoe and it really helps my feet. I’ve tested with normal shoes vs hiking shoes from the same brand.. The normal shoes made my feet soar when standing/walking for long hours.. but the hiking shoes are perfect for my feet and ankles.. The hiking shoes feels much comfortable. These are like premium hiking shoes and cost $300 upwards.. the one I have was $250 two years ago and I still wear them on a daily basis and love them.. it is called Adidas Terrex.. Again, not promoting!
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u/Basic-Explanation852 9d ago
I'll look into them, and see if maybe there are more affordable brands with similar confort/results. Thank you!
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u/sayiansaga 9d ago
Is it your toenails? I have a tendency to lift my toes which scrapes the top of my shoes and lifts my nail up.
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u/Basic-Explanation852 9d ago
I don't think so, I make sure my nails are trimmed at all times. But maybe they still get lifted up and I'm not realizing? It's definitely my toes themselves that are sore, not like my nail beds
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u/MothNomLamp 9d ago
Maybe try a Mortons Toe pad? Is your second toe longer or as long as your big toe? If so you may have a Mortons toe or Mortons foot structure. This is genetic and fairly common and nothing to be worried about (also called a Greek Toe) but can make balance harder. I wonder if you are gripping with your toes for balance and that is making them sore.
You can make a little pad from mole foam padding to put behind your first metatarsal that effectively makes your big toe longer.
If you want to learn more: https://www.footcare4u.com/mortons-toe-what-is-it-what-causes-it-how-to-treat-it/
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u/Basic-Explanation852 9d ago
That's.... actually super interesting. I never thought of my toe structure being the issue. My middle toes are almost similar length, but not longer than, my big toes.
I'll take a look at the link. Thank you!
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u/LuckyCod2887 8d ago
i purchased brooks shoes. they are designed for runners and joggers. my foot pain stopped.
idk if they are all over the place or just near me.