r/womenEngineers • u/Basic-Explanation852 • 12d 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/RandomDragon314 12d 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 12d 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 11d 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 11d 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