Does Working from Home Have Negative Effects on Your Feet?

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Houston residents transitioned to working from home (WFH). This resulted in a new way of living and working that most of us had never experienced before.

Fast forward two years and some Americans are still working out of their living rooms or home offices. While having a remote job is a dream for some professionals, there are certainly consequences to the WFH lifestyle. It’s likely that some remote workers have developed habits and routines that can hinder their physical and mental health — not to mention their productivity levels.

From a podiatry perspective, this new normal has contributed to the development of “work-from-home feet.” Between sitting in one place all day to the lack of proper heel, arch and ankle support, people are beginning to see the results of the pandemic in their feet.

Signs You Might Have WFH Feet

If you work from home most days, it’s possible that you have felt one or more of these WFH feet symptoms.

• Heel and/or big toe pain
• Sore or tired arches
• Swollen feet and/or ankles
• Muscle cramps

What Causes WFH Feet?

It can be easy to adopt unhealthy sitting habits when you work from your couch, kitchen table or home office. There are a number of avoidable bad sitting postures that can cause foot pain.

• Sitting on the feet or tucking them underneath you as you sit can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees and lower back.

• Crossing your feet at the ankles while sitting can cut off circulation and compress nerves in the feet which can lead to numbness or cramps. It also puts stress on the lower back, ankles and feet.

• Resting on the outer edges of your feet can lead to ankle weakness, pain in the pinky toe and arch pain.

• Resting the balls of your feet on a stool or the legs of a chair for long periods of time can lead to muscle spasms, arch pain, hammertoe and shortened Achilles tendons.

• Sitting for too long can hinder proper circulation and cause the ankles and feet to swell.

Should You Wear Shoes While Working from Home?

Most people who work in an office are required to wear shoes. There’s no such requirement at home. Many professionals who work from home spend their days in slippers or bare feet.

Slippers and house shoes usually don’t have the level of support our heels and arches need to be strong and healthy — and walking around barefoot offers no support. Investing in a nice pair of shoes that you can wear around the house can keep your feet happy and hopefully prevent injuries or WFH foot pain.

Of course, you don’t need to wear shoes in the house at all hours of the day (unless otherwise recommended by a doctor). Just a few hours here and there can make a noticeable difference. If you step outside for any reason, always put on a pair of sturdy shoes.

Reducing Pain and Discomfort of WFH Feet

1. Assess your WFH environment (chair, desk, monitor, floor, etc.) and be mindful of your posture.
2. Take breaks after sitting or standing for long periods of time.
3. Invest in a new pair of footwear that will keep you comfortable all day.
4. Consider wearing compression socks from time to time to promote blood flow.
5. Don’t be afraid to gently stretch, exercise or massage your feet throughout the workday.
6. Schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for expert advice and treatment options.

Take Care of Your Feet and See a Podiatry Specialist in Houston

The condition of your feet is important to your overall health and quality of life. If you are experiencing abnormal pain and discomfort in your feet, don’t wait to see a podiatry specialist.

Our team at the St. Hope Foundation specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of common conditions in the lower legs, ankles and feet. We take special care to help patients with diabetes who are more prone to infection and complications that can affect the feet.

Contact us online or give us a call at (713) 778-1300 to schedule an appointment today