Michigan is home to hundreds of thousands of workers who spend their shifts on their feet — nurses, assembly line workers, retail employees, restaurant staff, teachers, and warehouse workers among them. Prolonged standing and walking on hard surfaces takes a significant toll on the feet, ankles, and lower extremities, leading to conditions that reduce quality of life and workplace productivity. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki specializes in identifying and treating the specific foot conditions that affect workers who spend long hours on their feet.

Common Foot Conditions in Standing Workers

Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot condition among workers who stand and walk extensively. The plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the ball of the foot — becomes inflamed from repetitive loading, producing intense heel pain with the first steps of the morning and after prolonged sitting, and a dull ache throughout the workday. Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) develops from repeated forefoot loading, particularly in workers who wear non-cushioned shoes or boots. Sesamoiditis (inflammation of the two small bones under the first metatarsal head) causes pain under the big toe joint and is common in workers who stand on the balls of their feet. Ankle and Achilles tendinopathy develops from the accumulated stress of thousands of steps per shift. Bunions and hammertoes may be worsened — though not caused — by tight work footwear. Varicose veins and lower extremity edema are common companions to prolonged standing and may worsen foot pain.

Why Work Footwear Matters

Most work-related foot pain can be substantially reduced with proper footwear. Key features for standing workers include a rocker-bottom sole (reduces forefoot stress by facilitating toe-off without full metatarsal loading), adequate cushioning in the heel and forefoot, a wide enough toe box to prevent toe compression, and a heel counter that keeps the rearfoot stable to prevent excessive pronation. Safety requirements (steel toes, anti-slip soles, electrical hazard protection) narrow the options but should never compromise fit and cushioning. Dr. Biernacki provides specific footwear recommendations tailored to each patient’s occupation, foot structure, and insurance coverage.

Custom Orthotics for Workers

Custom foot orthotics — prescription insoles molded to the individual’s foot — are among the most effective interventions for work-related foot pain. They correct biomechanical imbalances, redistribute plantar pressure away from painful areas, and provide the support that standard work footwear lacks. For workers with Medicare or most commercial insurance, custom orthotics for documented conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, or diabetic foot care are typically covered with prior authorization. Workers’ compensation may also cover orthotics when foot conditions arise from occupational causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

You don’t have to live with foot pain at work. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Biernacki and get back to working without pain.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.