Standing is a natural posture for individuals, as it provides a feeling of energy and activity, and assists with movement. Many people around the world have to stand continuously for long hours due to their work. This includes traffic police officers, teachers, surgeons, laborers, and so on. Inadvertently, these individuals expose themselves to various health hazards.
When standing, the entire weight of the body is supported by the spine, knees, and muscles of the back, legs, and feet. Standing for long periods of time can lead to backache, stiffness, and pain in the knees and legs. People may also develop osteoarthritis in their hips and knees, as well as spondylosis in their back, at a younger age than expected due to prolonged standing.
Feet, too, have a tendency to become sore and swollen. Additionally, there may be cramps in the calf muscles. At times, the muscles in the shoulders and upper back also experience stiffness and soreness. Muscle fatigue gradually develops, further contributing to pain and stiffness.
It can also cause early fatigue, where the person affected begins to feel exhausted earlier in their work. The severity and frequency of the pain depend on how long one stands continuously, age (the risk increases as one gets older), weight (obese individuals may experience more issues), proper nutrition, alcohol/tobacco use, and overall health.
When a person stands for long hours, the veins in their legs are subjected to the weight of their body, as well as the musculoskeletal system. This can cause the veins to dilate and weaken the valves. When veins become varicose, the legs and/or feet appear ungraceful. One experiences a feeling of heaviness and stiffness over the affected area.
The return of impure blood from the legs to the right side of the heart is also affected by varicose veins, which can cause dizziness when standing in some individuals. Additionally, some people may experience dizziness when standing for a long time, even without varicose veins, especially on a hot day.
These problems are exacerbated by poor choice of footwear. Shoes worn for work should be comfortable and properly fitting to adequately protect the feet. Individuals whose work involves prolonged standing should avoid high-heeled shoes. Such shoes strain the musculoskeletal system of the back and legs, and can lead to chronic back and leg pain.
It is important to have a balanced diet that provides enough vitamins B complex, E, D3, calcium, and necessary minerals to keep the musculoskeletal system healthy. It is best to avoid alcohol and tobacco as they can damage the muscles and contribute to muscular pain.
Individuals experiencing dizziness while standing should move their toes while in a standing position. This can aid in promoting proper blood flow back to the heart. Muscle contractions resulting from toe movement can apply pressure on the veins and facilitate blood circulation.
People who work outdoors in the hot sun should use protective gear such as caps and sunglasses, and they should also drink a sufficient amount of water and other fluids like energy drinks. Otherwise, they are at risk of developing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
If possible, individuals should take breaks to sit for 30 minutes between periods of standing for more than two hours. While sitting, it is recommended to spread the legs out in front for some time. This helps to alleviate the strain on the back, hips, knees, and legs.
Many people are unaware of the health risks associated with standing for long periods of time, and as a result, they experience negative consequences. This doesn't just affect middle-aged and elderly individuals, but also young people who can develop these health issues.
Therefore, it is important for workers whose work involves standing for long hours to be aware of these problems and to take appropriate precautions to avoid them.
Awareness needs to be spread about the health hazards of prolonged standing so that individuals do not suffer from work-related problems.
Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine.