During the past few years, many people have started working from home due to the pandemic. More and more people have shifted to this type of work setting today and this has allowed individuals to get more of a work-life balance. However, there has been a rise in foot pain and even nerve pain as people work from home.
As people spend more time inside the comforts of their own homes, they have become less inclined to wear shoes. Most have even started walking barefoot. The lack of proper shoe support has increased the likelihood of individuals developing injuries and foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, causing heel pain.
These can likewise lead to tendinitis and metatarsalgia, especially since the lack of shoes can put address stress on and around the ball of the foot, tendons, and ligaments. People are even straining their arches. At times, however, these foot problems occur from doing too much on your feet after a period of inactivity.
If you have been experiencing what specialists have been calling the “pandemic feet,” here are some ways you can alleviate the pain and get your life back on track.
What You Can Do to Address This
- Wear the Right Type of Shoe
While this may seem weird, wearing shoes at home can actually help you ease your foot problems. For one, having proper shoes with the right type of support can prevent injuries and the development of foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, pain, inflammation of the joints, and the like.
Moreover, it’s also worth noting that having shoes on inside the house eliminates the risk of stubbing your toes on furniture as well as tripping on various objects. A shoe that has ample space for a toe box and a somewhat rigid sole may be of help. If you want to compromise, you may also opt for sandals as house shoes, provided that they have a good amount of support.
Wearing shoes inside may also boost productivity. Since you associate not wearing shoes with relaxing, you are finding a way to improve your work performance even while you’re at home simply by wearing shoes indoors.
2. Take the Time to Stretch
Exercising your feet every so often is ideal, more so when you lead a relatively inactive lifestyle when you’re at home. One of the most effective exercises for your feel is foot doming, the goal of which is to make a dome shape within the foot by activating foot muscles.
Doing exercises can actually strengthen your feet and make them healthier than ever before. Some stretches can likewise warm your feet up. Simply rolling your foot over a ball, as well as flexing and pointing your toes and feet can already go a long way.
If you are going to do actual physical activities, however, such as running or doing home workouts, it’s best to still wear shoes while doing it to prevent injuries.
3. See a Foot Doctor
If foot pain or nerve pain persists, seeing an expert for your concerns is a great idea. A foot doctor will guide you in the proper exercises you can do while at home.
At the same time, these professionals can assess the state of your feet, and by extension, how you can ensure that they stay healthy. Be mindful of pain and swelling and if you see any other changes in your feet, such as redness and inflammation, seek the help of podiatrists right away.
The Bottom Line
Your foot health matters. This is why taking care of your feet is important even when you’re just at home. With these steps, you can avoid exacerbating symptoms and keep foot pain away. For painful feel that need professional attention, don’t hesitate to consult with a foot doctor today.
