The New York Times reports on the reasons for an increase of foot pain since the COVID-19 pandemic according to experts including Rock G. Positano, DPM, MSc, MPH, DSc, director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at HSS.

Dr. Positano explained he has seen an increase in foot pain – nearly 20 to 30 percent — and calls the phenomenon “pandemic foot.”

Some of the most common foot ailments occur simply because the foot is under increased strain during the pandemic. He noted, “People don’t realize how much mileage they put on walking and standing in their houses.”

If foot injuries are not addressed they have the potential to result in other pain. “People think they are falling apart, but they are not,” he added. “They are overusing their feet.”

According to Dr. Positano, heel pain should get checked by a doctor before stretching. He noted there can be undiagnosed tears in the plantar fascia that stretching can worsen.

This article appeared in print on April 19 and online at NYTimes.com. A subscription is required to access. Additional coverage: Beckershospitalreview.com, in print in the July issue of the Italian edition of ELLE Magazine .