Working on your Feet

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I just started a job as a rollercoaster operator at a theme park in KC. When I'm at work, I am on my feet pretty much all day. The only times I sit down are when I'm on break and when I get to work panel. We get one break and one time at panel a shift. That means I am on my feet for up to six hours at at time with no chance to sit down.

Needless to say, my feet are killing me. I worked a 12.5 hour shift yesterday and my feet still hurt. I don't remember my feet hurting this bad when I worked at Disney, maybe because at Disney we were never on our feet for more than 2 hours at a time due to the way the breaks were set up.

Does anybody have any tips for people working on their feet all day? I have good New Balance shoes, and I am going to try to put some Dr. Scholl's insoles in them. Other than that, I am at a loss for what to do. It would be nice if I could get off a shift without my feet hurting like mad.

 

[NHdisneylover]

If you can afford it, DH finds having two good pairs of shoes helps. His feet feel much better when he alternates pairs every day. Also, try sitting with your feet propped up in the evenings after work. I hope you can figure something out that helps--it is tough being on your feet all day

 

[Buckalew11]

I've been doing hair for 26 years. I'm on my feet from 9-7pm when I'm working. I think you have to wear good shoes and in time you get used to standing up all day. Also, watch your weight and try to keep muscles strong.

DH just got a new job that requires him to be standing all day. He asked how long until you get used to it. I told him,"Less than 26 years, dear."

Good luck! Are you a teacher also? I may be thinking of the wrong poster but if it is you, teachers are also standing a lot through the day--esp. elementary ones.

 

[KSchwagg86]

Along with elevating your feet after work, do it on your breaks as well if you can

 

[panfan]

Both my husband and I own a rest. and are on our feet all day. Hubby a 4:30 am till about 3-3:30pm 6 days and myself, less days but more consecutive hours. Sometimes 9am till 9pm and once in a while 6am till 9pm. The only advice is you get used to it. We have been doing it for years and it does get better as your body adjusts

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Yes, I also teach. At least in my classroom I get a chance to sit down (like when I read or work with the kids). I never had a problem with it teaching because it wasn't hours at a time.

I think yesterday was killer not only because of the number of hours but also being the first time I have had to go up the lift (twice in one day. Nothing like running up a roller coaster lift to get your heart pumping!) Everyday when I get off I think how nice a pedicure would be. LOL.

 

[novajeanjellybean]

I've been waitressing for 9 years. Make sure you have good insoles, it makes a world of difference.

 

[happygirl]

Have fun at Worlds of Fun. It's a great place to work.

 

[WDWBarb]

I usually wear heels to work and yet I'm in a warehouse about 1/3 of the day and I'm constantly going UP and down stairs.

I found this stuff that LUSH sells called "Volcano."

It's a bit expensive but it really helps my aching feet! You have to put a pretty good layer on (and I put it all the way to my ankles) and then you have to put grocery bags on your feet so you can walk around.

But it feels really nice and it actually does help!

 

[jama]

The thing that helped me when I was on my feet 12-14 hours was the compression socks..that go to your knees..called TED hose..you can get them at uniform stores.
Also, Thorlo socks are the best..these really make a huge difference!

 

[PatsMom]

DD is selling ice cream at a local attraction this summer and is on her feet all day. She has a good pair of Asic sneakers and swears by her insoles. But even so, her feet hurt at night. She says she is just used to it now. She also swears by Excedrin Back and Body for pain relief.