I have a herniated disk in my back, which is annoying because I have to stand for a while and then sit for a while. I can change positions every 15 to 20 minutes. I noticed that not only was my back hurting, but my hips, legs, and feet felt like they were on fire.
This is particularly true in the kitchen. I swear for a household with two people in it, we dirty more dishes than a household twice our size.
My husband Mark has to have a “real plate” instead of paper, a clean dessert fork, and a serrated cutting knife for pizza. Excuse me, I grew up poor and you ate dessert with the same utensils, and your hands worked perfectly for eating pizza.
Not surprisingly, I have a stack of dirty dishes and by the time I am finished cleaning up the mess, my back is on fire.
Then, I discovered anti-fatigue mats. What is an anti-fatigue mat? Anti-fatigue mats are floor mats made from foam; they’re intended to help relieve joint pain, as well as act as a preventative measure.
Standing Desk Mats
If you stand while you are working, the type of flooring will determine how much pain relief you will feel. Concrete floors are the least comfortable. Choose wood, cork, carpeting, or rubber that provides elasticity and makes your feet feel better.
As a bonus, softer floor coverings reduce fatigue and falls on slippery floors.
Kitchen Mats
According to Spiro Theodore, a chiropractor at Potomac Valley Chiropractic, “Anti-fatigue mats can help with back pain … [by] lessening foot and ankle stress that may occur from long periods of standing in one spot or area.”
If you cook a lot or do a lot of prep, anti-fatigue kitchen mats improve circulation and promote better posture. Your weight is absorbed and distributed evenly, so you can do all your kitchen duties without so much pain. If I am having a pain-filled day, I can stand on these mats and feel almost instant relief.
Before You Buy Anti-Fatigue Mats
Like everything else in life, there are pros and cons that you need to take into consideration:
Cost
When I purchase something, I usually choose a product that has all the bells and whistles. However, if you are on a budget, and who isn’t these days, there are anti-fatigue mats that may fit into your price range.
I chose these mats for my kitchen and bathroom. They had some good reviews and I liked the choice of colors. There was also a discount, which is always a good thing.
I’m happy with them and have noticed a big difference in how my ankles, feet, and knees feel.
You’ll get more coverage with a bigger mat, but if you want to test out the product first, just buy a small one.
Footwear
The decision to go barefoot or wear shoes depends on your preference and where you are using them. I like to go barefoot or wear socks on the mats I use in the kitchen and bathroom. My anti-fatigue mats in the bedroom are thicker and feel better with supportive shoes.
If you are using the mats in the office, avoid wearing stilettos or shoes with a heel. High heels are a definite no-no. Putting the pressure of body weight onto such a small point will leave indents or punch holes over time.
Final Thoughts
Anti-fatigue mats have made such a difference in my pain levels. My legs and feet don’t swell as much, and my back doesn’t feel like I am in pain every minute of the day.
Try a small anti-fatigue mat and see how it works for you. Anything that takes away arthritis pain is a game-changer in my book.
