Plantar fasciitis is relatively common in the manufacturing setting. These findings suggest several options for primary and secondary prevention strategies. Shoe rotation may be an effective strategy that may be used as either a primary or secondary strategy. The use of shoe orthoses with a medial longitudinal arch and metatarsal pad may be used as a preventive or treatment strategy. Work stations that decrease the percentage of time walking or standing on hard surfaces (eg, allowing workers to alternate between sitting and standing postures or providing cushioning mats for concrete surfaces) may lower the risk for plantar fasciitis.

This is similar to other prospective studies that demonstrate both ergonomic and medical history are independent risk factors for development of CTS.

Workers at highest risk for persistent elbow tendonitis should be placed at jobs with lower repetition levels and that use more neutral wrist postures. Effective interventions must address both the ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors in a multifaceted approach to this problem.

No abstract

BackgroundWork‐related fatigue of the lower extremities is a known cause of lost productivity and significant employer costs. Common workplace solutions to reduce fatigue levels include anti‐fatigue matting, shoe orthoses, or sit/stand work stations. However, assessment of these anti‐fatigue measures within the workplace has been limited.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study in an automotive assembly plant on employees with at least 6 months tenure. Subject data were collected via questionnaires including Likert‐scale questions to define fatigue severity. Jobs were evaluated for lower extremity ergonomic exposures via videotaping, pedometers, interviews, and industrial engineering records.ResultsLower extremity fatigue at the end of the work day was associated with a higher prevalence of smoking, rheumatoid arthritis, job dissatisfaction, use of shoes with firmer outsoles, and increased time on the job spent standing or walking. Supervisor support and increased time spent on carpet were protective. Lower extremity fatigue that interfered with activities outside of work had additional risk factors including higher BMI, prior diagnosis of osteoarthritis, and increased hours per week spent working.ConclusionsWhile these results identify carpet as being protective against lower extremity fatigue, no similar relationship was identified for anti‐fatigue mats. No adverse relationship was found between hard surfaces such as concrete and lower extremity fatigue. Given the high costs associated with work‐related fatigue, future areas for potential intervention include smoking cessation, specific shoe recommendations, and enhancing psychosocial aspects of work such as supervisor support. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:216–223, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

An increased risk is associated with higher metatarsal pressure and increased time spent walking. These findings suggest several options for primary and secondary prevention strategies. The use of shoe orthoses with a medial longitudinal arch and metatarsal pad as well as including optional sit/stand workstations may be helpful.

Hip disorders are associated with a history of biomechanical trauma to the hip but also from gait abnormalities such as pes planus.

The following article refers to this text: 2010;36(1):1-80