The COVID-19 pandemic forced many employees and businesses to shift to a new normal that oftentimes involved working from home in some capacity. And while companies are all in different stages of returning to business operations as we move past what we believe to be the worst of the pandemic, it’s clear that more employees are back in the office in a partial or full capacity than a year ago.
It should come as no surprise, then, that foot injuries have also become more common as a growing workforce stuffs their feet back into a closed toe formal shoe or a high heel. Below, we take a a closer look at the factors that have led to a rise in foot pain and visits to the doctor.
Returning To Work And The Rise Of Foot Injuries
The reason foot specialists are seeing more white collar workers come into their office complaining of new foot pain is due to two related factors – Significant time away from work, and now a mass influx back to the office.
Remote Work’s Role – For many people who were laid off or transitioned to a work-from-home system, this oftentimes meant that the normal dress requirements went out the window for the time being. No longer were people putting their feet into uncomfortable shoes, as they were oftentimes working barefoot or in socks. However, this also meant that those people who wore supportive shoes weren’t wearing those shoes as often, and this lack of activity and decreased foot support meant that some muscle groups in the foot weakened. Many people became less active during the pandemic, and remote work played a role in this. This increase in inactivity led to muscle weakness and tissue atrophy.
Returning To The Office – Our return to the office also meant that we now had to dust off our work shoes or our high heels and get back to wearing them for long stretches throughout the day. This was uncomfortable even when our feet had adapted to how stress was channeled through our feet, but now that we’re returning to the office with weaker feet and ankles, the stress of the oftentimes unsupportive footwear choices is having a harsher impact on our feet.
Not only were our feet weakened by the decrease in activity ushered in by the pandemic, but now many people are swiftly ramping up their activity levels, and they may not be wearing the most supportive shoe. Take a closer look at your footwear choices and make sure that you are choosing comfort and support over fashion.
If you’re dealing with a new foot pain, whether from a return to the office or an injury during athletics, reach out to Dr. Silverman, undergo a comprehensive diagnosis and get started on a treatment plan that will put an end to your discomfort. For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman’s office today at (952) 224-8500.
