3 Tips For Protecting Your Feet And Legs When You Work In A Restaurant

If you work in a restaurant, there is a good chance that you spend a good part of your day on your feet. Over time, this can cause your feet and legs to wear out, and it can even cause an injury. Luckily, following these tips can help you protect your legs and feet when you're on the job.

1. Wear Pants

Even though it might be tempting to wear shorts to work -- after all, restaurant kitchens can get hot -- wearing pants can help you protect your legs better. When you're working in a cramped kitchen, there is always the chance that you could bump your legs on hot equipment or other things, which could cause burns and bruises. This is less of a concern if your legs are covered up with pants.

2. Wear the Right Shoes

Obviously, wearing open-toed shoes probably isn't your best bet when you're working in a restaurant. However, just any old shoes aren't going to do the trick, either. You need a pair of shoes that fit well, that are comfortable, and that provide ample cushion for your feet when you're on them all day long. Additionally, you may want to look for shoes with a good grip on the bottom, which can help protect you from slipping and falling when you're in the kitchen and potentially dodging food spills and grease.

3. Take a Break

Every now and then, it's good to get off your feet for a little bit so that you can give your feet and legs a little bit of a break. When doing side work like wiping down menus or rolling silverware, consider sitting down in a chair or booth. When you take your lunch break, consider sitting down for a little while. Even though you might spend the bulk of your day standing and walking, taking even just a few minutes during your shift can provide you with some much-needed rest.

As you can see, there are a few different ways that you can protect your feet and legs when you work in a restaurant. If you have been experiencing discomfort, you might find that following these tips can help you stay comfortable. If you are still having problems, however, you might want to schedule an appointment with an orthopedist, such as those at Tedder Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, who can look for any potential problems and provide you with advice for taking care of this part of your body.