When it comes to workplace wellness, foot health is rarely top-of-mind. But as podiatrist Dr. Nicholas Williams of Ascension Wisconsin points out, ignoring foot health can have long-term consequences for both employees and employers. In this article, Dr. Williams explains: “Foot problems are often overlooked until they become serious, and when they do, they can lead to absenteeism, on-site injuries, increased claims and lost productivity.”
The Real Cost of Foot Problems in the Workplace
Dr. Williams emphasizes that employees who are constantly on their feet face a range of common foot-related injuries like the following:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Achilles tendonitis and other tendon strain
- Arch pain and flat feet-related issues
- Stress fractures and overuse injuries
- Traumatic injuries (e.g., crush injuries in manufacturing)
- Bunions, hammertoes and aggravated deformities
- Skin issues: corns, calluses and ulcerations
Left untreated, these conditions don’t just cause discomfort, they lead to decreased mobility, reduced job performance and even long-term disability. “A simple case of heel pain can snowball into knee, hip and back problems due to compensatory movements,” Dr. Williams says.
What’s worse, many of these issues take time to heal, and employees often delay seeking care because they can’t afford to take time off or don’t know where to turn. The result: compounding health costs and productivity loss for employers.
Industries Most at Risk
While foot health is important for all workers, certain sectors face higher exposure due to job demands. Dr. Williams highlights that he sees many patients complain of foot issues from working in the following roles:
- Manufacturing and warehouse operations: Constant movement, lifting and hard surfaces.
- Healthcare: Nurses, CNAs and support staff face long shifts on their feet.
- Retail and hospitality: Standing for hours, often on concrete or tile, with limited movement.
- Food service: Repetitive motions in tight quarters and slick surfaces increase both strain and injury risk.
Proactive Solutions Employers Can Implement
What can employers do to promote foot health, and why should they care? Dr. Williams points to five key action steps for employers.
1. Invest in education and awareness:
One of the simplest yet most effective actions is to educate employees on foot care, common warning signs and proper footwear. “Education around footwear, orthotics and how to recognize early symptoms can go a long way,” Dr. Williams notes.
2. Provide or subsidize protective footwear and orthotics:
Some employers already offer steel-toed boots or slip-resistant shoes. Dr. Williams recommends taking it a step further by offering allowances for over-the-counter orthotics or supporting employees in accessing custom inserts, especially those with pre-existing foot conditions.
3. Incorporate ergonomic enhancements:
Anti-fatigue mats at workstations, particularly for employees who stand in place for long periods, can reduce strain. Likewise, structured breaks and job rotation help mitigate repetitive stress injuries.
4. Offer on-site or accessible physical therapy:
Accessible PT, even if just part-time or via partnership, can dramatically improve outcomes and reduce time off work. “We often hear, ‘I’d do therapy, but I can’t fit it into my schedule.’ Bringing care closer to the job site removes that barrier,” Dr. Williams says.
5. Prioritize early intervention:
Catching issues early means faster, often non-surgical treatment. “When addressed early, we can avoid surgery and long-term disability,” Dr. Williams notes. “But once ulcers, fractures or severe tendonitis set in, recovery becomes slower and more expensive.”
Foot Health as a Strategic Investment
Neglecting foot health is more than a medical issue, it’s a business liability. Investing in proactive care offers measurable ROI. Dr. Williams highlights the following benefits of incorporating foot health programs into the workplace:
- Reduced injury claims and workers’ compensation costs
- Less absenteeism
- Lower employee turnover
- Improved productivity
- Higher employee satisfaction and retention
“Aside from the financial benefits,” Dr. Williams says, “it shows employees their health is valued. That alone can improve morale and workplace loyalty.” By taking steps to prevent injuries and address foot problems early, employers can protect their teams, reduce downtime and ultimately strengthen their bottom line. “We rely on our feet every single day,” Dr. Williams emphasizes, “so why wouldn’t we protect them, especially in the workplace?”
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Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solutions’ comprehensive wellness program provides a holistic approach to well-being in the workplace. Our occupational health program features a strong injury prevention and management program that includes access to work injury care with a return to work focus. Click here to learn more.
To learn more about podiatry with Ascension Wisconsin, click here.