Interchangeable shoes should not be abandoned in the office for a number of reasons: hygiene, injury prevention and impact on productivity. ORTEKA traumatologist-orthopedist Mikhail Ignatov told socialbites.ca about this.
“Changing shoes helps keep the office clean and hygienic. As a rule, the floors in the office have different coatings – dirt can penetrate deeply, which greatly complicates the cleaning process. Also, replaceable shoes will allow you to maintain foot hygiene. Very hot shoes contribute to increased sweating of the feet. These are ideal conditions for the multiplication of bacteria, fungi and microbes. That’s why it’s important to choose breathable shoes with an antimicrobial coating for office work. Mesh and leather shoes will also prevent excessive sweating of the feet by providing good air circulation.
According to the doctor, the choice of shoes significantly affects productivity. Foot comfort is very important when working on our feet or sitting in front of a computer.
“Too tight, hard and hot shoes cause severe discomfort and pain. This reduces concentration, makes movement difficult and leads to extreme fatigue,” added the expert.
Office shoes should have a good grip. Shoes with weak treads increase the risk of slipping and falling. It is important to choose shoes with non-slip soles that will provide a secure grip on wet or slippery surfaces. Podiatrist, open-toed shoes should also be avoided; they do not provide adequate protection against falls, bumps and toe injuries.
“Uncomfortable shoes, high-heeled shoes, very narrow shoes and narrow-nosed models can cause a number of health problems in joints, ligaments and tendons.
For example, frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes completely shifts the center of gravity, which increases the risk of developing flat feet, arthrosis and chronic back pain. Flat shoes – sneakers or ballet shoes – are completely devoid of cushioning and arch support, which contributes to the progression of orthopedic diseases: heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis and bursitis. Tight shoes put excessive pressure on the feet, disrupting the blood circulation in the body, causing swelling and tension in the lower extremities. It can also cause various deformities in the feet and fingers. For example, hallux valgus, Taylor deformity, ingrown nails,” the doctor summarized.
Students at one of the UK schools before suspended leaving classes due to inappropriate shoes.