Foot and leg pain after standing all day is attributed to weak, tired, and tight muscles. Simple stretches that include the front and back of the thigh, as well as the back of the legs, are recommended to relieve any muscle tightness. The muscle groups being stretched are the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
Elevating the feet and legs after stretching will also decrease swelling. A warm bath will loosen tight muscles. Our office does suggest having a podiatrist perform a foot exam so they can recommend the proper shoe gear to be worn during these long hours of standing. We may also recommend an orthotic to provide extra support to the feet and legs.
The easiest and most consistently effective remedy, though, is stretching prior to long hours of standing and walking followed by another set of light stretches after the period. Give your muscles and tendons the opportunity to relax and work through tightness before sitting or laying down for long periods following a duration of extended-standing/walking.