Why Your Feet Ache After Work (And What You Can Do About It)

You finally sit down after a long day — maybe after work, school runs, or just a busy day out — and that’s when it hits: your feet are sore, swollen, and aching.

It’s frustrating, especially if you didn’t even do anything “out of the ordinary.” But here’s the thing — foot pain after a long day is more common than most people realise, and there are some simple (and fixable) reasons why it happens.

Let’s walk through it — pun intended!

The Problem Could Be Right Under Your Feet: Your Shoes

We all have that favourite pair of shoes — comfy, easy to slip on, maybe stylish too. But are they doing your feet any favours?

Here’s how bad footwear can sneakily cause pain:

• Flat shoes offer little or no arch support (think pumps, slippers, or fashion trainers)

• Worn-out soles can’t absorb shock anymore

• Tight or narrow shoes squeeze the toes and cause pressure points

• Unsupportive sandals or flip-flops force your muscles to overwork

Your feet carry your whole body all day. If your shoes aren’t helping out, your feet end up doing all the hard work alone.

Flat Feet = Extra Pressure

Another hidden cause of that end-of-day foot ache? Flat feet.

When your arches are low or collapsed, the shock from walking and standing isn’t spread evenly. That means your feet — and even your knees, hips, and back — can start to suffer.

You might have flat feet if:

• You feel tiredness or pain in your feet and legs

• Your ankles roll inwards

• You wear through the inner edge of your shoes quickly

Flat feet are very common, and they don’t always cause problems. But when they do — we can help.

It’s Not Just “Being on Your Feet”

Yes, being up and moving around all day contributes to foot fatigue. But it’s not always about how long you’re standing — it’s how your feet are coping with that pressure.

Common everyday causes of foot pain include:

• Hard flooring (like concrete or tile at work)

• Poor posture or walking mechanics

• Lack of movement breaks

• Previous injuries that never healed fully

Your feet are doing a big job — and sometimes they’re quietly telling you they need support.

Simple Fixes That Can Help Right Now

You don’t have to live with sore feet. Try these small changes:

✔️ Wear cushioned, supportive shoes daily — even around the house
✔️ Stretch your feet and calves in the morning and evening
✔️ Use a massage ball or frozen water bottle to roll under your feet
✔️ Change shoes halfway through the day if you can
✔️ Try arch-support insoles or custom orthotics

And if you’ve tried these and the pain still lingers? That’s your cue to get it checked.

When to Book an Appointment

Persistent foot pain isn’t something to ignore. It can lead to bigger problems if left untreated — like knee pain, poor posture, or long-term discomfort.

At The Foot and Lower Limb Clinic, we take a full look at what’s causing your pain:

• We assess your walking style and posture

• We check your foot shape, arches, and pressure points

• We recommend tailored solutions like footwear advice, custom orthotics, or simple in-clinic treatments

📍Book in with us at Colne or Brighouse — and walk away feeling better, not worse.