Home can be hazardous to your feet





The practice of "kicking off your shoes" and running around barefoot or in sandals at home is actually a dangerous habit, according to the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA).


That’s because most people don’t simply relax barefoot or in sandals; they jump up and perform chores that can leave feet vulnerable to injuries or permanent damage such as stress fractures, sprains, puncture wounds and infections.


With more people running home-based businesses or performing work at home, supportive shoes should be worn at home, just as in the workplace, to avoid injuries, advised Timothy J. Byron, DPM, MS, a podiatric surgeon and public education officers of the CPMA. "I tell people to task orient their footwear," Byron said.


"Change your shoes three or four times a day."


Strains and sprains can result from walking up and down steps lugging laundry, other loads or children, without supportive footwear.


Stress fractures from walking barefoot or in sandals on attractive, yet unforgiving, home flooring surfaces such as marble, tile or limestone are also common.


Wearing thongs while standing for hours on a hard surface cooking or cleaning can lead to muscle strains and backaches, another typical ailment.


Workers who carry loads all day or hikers on a climb wouldn’t think of going barefoot, yet people perform similar heavy tasks at home and ignore proper, supportive footwear.


Children are at risk of similar injuries and of warts and infections because they often follow their parents’ example and go barefoot, too.


"People think they’re safe at home when they shut the door, but your home is not safe," Byron said. "Wearing the proper shoes for the appropriate activity can prevent a lot of foot problems."



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