Standing desk - how to minimise achy legs and feet?

[ValerieDoonican]

As the title says really. I have a sit-stand desk and raise it at some point most days, but after half an hour or so my legs and feet start aching and I want to sit down again.

I am usually wearing casual (not sports) trainers or softish-soled trainers. I'm very much post-menopausal, but reasonably fit and active. I don't have conspicuous varicose veins but have a couple of visible non-swollen ones and want to avoid them - one reason why I am trying to stand for some of the day!

So if anyone has had this (achy legs and feet standing up) and found a good low-tech solution, I'm all ears! TY.

You definitely need to make sure your shoes are supportive - sports trainers that you would job in should be good. Also you can buy rubber mats that provide a good amount of comfort - definitely invest in one of those!

Wobble board, because the movement is easier than just standing, but it depends on your work - maybe not if on a video call.

Get a standing mat - it makes all the difference! I also mix it up and sometimes stand barefoot, sometimes trainers, etc.

While you are standing, make sure you're not standing stiffly like a soldier on parade - make sure you're moving around a bit - bounce up and down a bit, shake your legs, wiggle your toes, walk through your feet. And work up to it, I think at first I would just stand 10-15 mins and then sit down for the next 45, and gradually increase the time. Now I stand most of the day when I WFH but it's taken literally years to build up to that amount of standing.

I agree on a wobble board. It stops you locking your knees/hips and makes standing much more active

Yes to all the suggestions so far. Wobble board and switching between good shoes and barefoot for sure. Also wireless headset so you can walk around while on a (non video) call. I don't yet have an antifatigue mat but I hear they are great too.
try to remember that standing still isn't great for you - standing and moving is. Even a little music playing so you are more likely to move a little more is helpful

Thanks for all these suggestions! I do have a wobble board but its only a little round one - can't help feeling it would be distracting (and irritating for co-workers?) but I'll give it a try...

I googled mats for standing desks and there are so many! And its hard to imagine how they help in a way that spongy shoes don't - can you tell me more @Xiaoxiong ? Should I go for a wobbly one? When I'm concentrating on something I can't imagine I could make myself move spontaneously, which is probably why I have a problem.

Has anyone got a suggested version or just a picture / description of one they have found works for them? Or has anyone improvised wtih a cushion, camping mat, or similar?

Anyhow I will give the wobble board a go - tx

I recently switched to a standing desk after an injury meant I couldn't sit to work comfortably. My feet ached a lot to start with, I would have to sit or lie down briefly for a break often, but after a couple of weeks I got used to it and now I can comfortably stand pretty much all day.

I have a wobble board but mostly just use the ridge on the side to massage my feet. Move around lots as others have said.

Personally I find barefoot comfiest (and I am not normally a barefoot person at all, I live in slippers!)

I am glad to hear people are able to extend the periods they use it. I did use one a few years ago and it seemed fine for good chunks of the day - not sure what changed, possibly the inevitable consequences of time passing - but I have some strategies here to fight back with!

Have you considered a walking desk? A friend swears by his.

This is the one I have - I just bought the one that looked the most legit from Amazon and it's done the job for years now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B076ZDH199/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't know why it's any different than shoes, but it is - I have a couple of friends who wear trainers while working in professional kitchens but say that having mats still makes a difference.

Just treat it like any other exercise and start small. I know it sounds ridiculous saying that you need to start small while standing but it will make it much easier to stand for longer periods - usually while we are standing we are walking around and moving so just make sure you're doing as much as feels comfortable and build it up.

Could you alternate between standing and sitting?
Gradually increasing your time standing.

Thanks @Xiaoxiong ! Does seem tbe well reviewed so Ill try to find something similar 👍

standing on my wobble board now and - well we'll see!

You could also try some compression stockings?

Hmmm I'll keep that one up my sleeve for now - but I can see the sense of it.

Wobble board was irritating and I couldn't get the desk up high enough to match me. Now standing on a foam cushion (a lumbar wedge in fact) and that seems to be helping a bit...

I’ve got a mat from IKEA and use it bare foot. Had no aching legs since using it.
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/freivid-standing-mat-diseroed-grey-green-00556773/

I've had a standing desk for a few years now, after having problems with my back (sorted by gradually strengthening my glutes as advised by the physio) - I just alternate sitting and standing all day, I sit down when I am tired of standing and stand up when I can feel I've been sitting too long.

It works for me, keeps me mobile and my glutes active enough, but it depends on why you want to stand.

Thankyou @Isisizzie - looks good! Plenty of room to fidget, soe of the other ones I saw online look a bit teeny. @TheSmallAssassin all the normally recommended health reasons - it just seems like a good idea. Sometimes I find it helps my eyes as well, as I can adjust the distance to the screen easily and naturally.

And thanks to all the pps as well. I've got lots of things to try - and even just fiddling about and changing stuff around under the desk in itself means I don't stay so locked in one position!