Wearing the wrong shoes to work can result in a variety of injuries, so be sure to choose a pair recommended by leaders in your profession. This important step can go a long way toward protecting you and your feet. Here is an overview of common shoe-related work injuries, how to prevent them and how we can help if you do get injured.
Common Shoe-Related Work Injuries
Not all professions are easy on your feet. Depending on the nature of your work environment, wearing the wrong shoes can result in slipping on wet floors, punctures due to stepping on sharp or other dangerous objects without ample protection and tripping or falling over obstacles or even the shoes themselves. These falls can result in broken bones, torn ligaments, sprains and other serious injuries to your feet, knees, hips or back.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Profession
Fortunately, these shoe-related injuries are preventable. Consider the physical demands of your job to help you determine which specific qualities you need in your work shoes.
If your job involves standing and walking for most of the day, wearing sturdy shoes that provide plenty of support is a must in order to minimize blisters, foot pain and other problems. Some common types of shoes that are both comfortable enough to stand in all day and professional enough to wear to work include:
- Athletic shoes that follow your dress code or match your uniform, such as certain New Balance or Skechers styles
- Dress shoes that were specifically designed for comfort
- Loafers that are easy to walk in while still professional looking
- Other styles that include memory foam, arch support and other comfortable features
Jobs that are a bit more dangerous, such as those that involve machinery, electricity or wet surfaces, need specialized shoes with thick soles and perhaps a protective metal layer and nonslip soles. Some specialized safety shoes include:
- Steel-toed shoes for jobs that involve moving or operating heavy equipment
- Steel-soled shoes for truck drivers
- Metatarsal shoes, for those exposed to “drop” hazards, such as construction workers
- Electrical hazard (EH) work boots for electricians
At Missouri Orthopedics & Advanced Sports Medicine, if you do experience a shoe-related injury at work, we provide a variety of treatment options, including diagnosis of the injury and determining whether or not it is a surgical or non-surgical situation. We’re here to get you back on your feet and return to the job you love. Contact us to learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment today!