“Pandemic Foot” a Risk from Going Barefoot at Home: MD Podiatrist

Have your feet been aching lately? You might have “pandemic foot.” Don’t worry, it’s got nothing to do with the latest COVID-19 strain ““ and curing this ailment appears to be much easier. The reason for an uptick in reported foot pain over the past few years is probably related to an increase in working from home, doctors say. It’s because many people don’t wear shoes in the house, and walking barefoot so often can cause problems.
 
“Walking around barefoot, with socks or house slippers can put you at increased risk for foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, tendinitis and metatarsalgia,” said Dan Michaels, DPM. Being barefoot can hurt people with flat feet, as well as people with high arches. When you have flat feet, not wearing shoes with arch support puts extra strain on your ankle and the inside of your foot, Dr. Michaels said. If you have high arches, being barefoot can put extra pressure on the balls of your feet and heels.