Fighting Foot Fatigue with Cushioning and Orthotic Support

Many of us suffer from foot and leg muscle fatigue after a long day of work or household tasks. Luckily, there are many solutions to reduce muscle fatigue to keep a spring in your step no matter what your daily activities are. 

Cushioning is a great way to reduce foot muscle fatigue and discomfort, and it feels great, too! Scientific studies show that shoes with soft cushioning, adding cushioned insoles in your shoes, or standing on a cushioned mat reduce discomfort in workers. In general, cushioned insoles are more slightly effective than standing on cushioned floors or mats. Additional reductions in foot, leg, and back pain can occur when your insole includes arch and heel support.

When your body is fatigued, you are at greater risk of loss of balance.

Fatigue-related falls are a major cause of injury and sick/injury days off at the workplace. Orthotic support is a great way to improve your balance when your leg muscles are fatigued. For the optimum response, combine a supportive orthotic with a soft cushioned layer for comfort. You have the option to use your orthotic insert for your entire day or only when your feet and legs begin to feel fatigued. 

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or Guillan Barre may increase the amount of foot fatigue you feel in a day. Orthotic support is also shown to reduce the amount of foot fatigue for individuals with these medical conditions. 

Speed, Gosia, Kate Harris, and Tessa Keegel. "The effect of cushioning materials on musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue during prolonged standing at work: A systematic review." Applied ergonomics 70 (2018): 300-314.

Mousavi, Elahe, et al. "Investigating the effect of custom‐made insoles and exercises on lower limb and back discomfort in assembly‐line workers in a rubber tire factory: A randomized controlled trial." Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries 29.6 (2019): 478-484.

Ochsendorf, David T., Carl G. Mattacola, and Brent L. Arnold. "Effect of orthotics on postural sway after fatigue of the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors." Journal of athletic training 35.1 (2000): 26.

Reina-Bueno, María, et al. "Custom-made foot orthoses reduce pain and fatigue in patients with ehlers-danlos syndrome. A pilot study." International journal of environmental research and public health 17.4 (2020): 1359.