Sore Feet At Home? You’re Not Alone
In quarantine, we wear slippers at home, sneakers for outdoor walks, and everything else is stashed in the closet. Comfortable footwear has been one pandemic bonus — or so we thought.
Logging extra hours standing while cooking or working at makeshift desks is causing a new malady: Slipper feet. Podiatrists say that they’re seeing an increase in heal pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Slipping in stocking feet on smooth floors and moving wrong while doing barefoot home workouts are also causing foot and ankle injuries.
“Foot health is very important for health of the entire body and how it moves,” said Chad Walding, doctor of physical therapy and co-founder of Native Path. “It’s important for balance and general mobility. It’s one of the most underdiagnosed physical issues.”
Keep Moving
Walding says the real problem isn’t unsupportive footwear as much as standing still for long periods of time.
He recommends wearing slip-resistant socks around the house and getting an anti-fatigue floor mat for standing tasks, like washing dishes or working at a standing desk. The mats subtly encourage small movements to keep your body moving. Other options are to step in place or take a walk around the house every 30 to 45 minutes.
