This year, a new trend has emerged and made waves on social media everywhere: the integration of desk treadmills into home offices. As more people look for ways to balance their professional responsibilities with the need for an active lifestyle, desk treadmills have gained popularity as a solution that allows you to stay on your feet while staying productive.

However, this relatively simple and trendy piece of equipment can lead to injuries if you’re not careful. Here are a few foot and ankle safety considerations to keep in mind when using desk treadmills: 

You Likely Have to Adjust Your Natural Stride

Remember that your desk treadmill is likely shorter and narrower than what you’re used to. Keep an eye on your stride length; you might have to take shorter strides to adjust for the treadmill’s length. If you’re not careful, changing your stride can lead to injury over time. You might also notice that your desk treadmill’s tread isn’t as robust as what you’re used to. If the treadmill feels slick, be sure to find supportive shoes with a good grip rather than a worn sole. 

Your Feet Can Suffer from Overuse

Desk treadmills are designed for lower speeds and prolonged use, making them ideal for steady movement throughout the day rather than high-intensity training sessions. Some desk treadmills also max out their usage time to 45-60 minutes. However, if you launch into using the desk treadmill every day from a sedentary lifestyle, you put yourself at risk of injury. Your feet and ankles aren’t used to that much repetitive use over time. Slowly increase your mileage and/or time on any treadmill — including your desk treadmill. 

Walking Pads Still Require Appropriate Footwear

There are plenty of perks to having a desk treadmill. However, it’s still a treadmill and thus, anyone using it should still wear appropriate walking footwear. Even though you’re not running or engaging in high-intensity exercise, your feet still need the right support and cushioning. 

Wearing proper footwear helps you maintain proper alignment, minimize strain on your joints, and prevent discomfort during your work hours. Opt for shoes that provide ample arch support, cushioning, and stability, helping you transition seamlessly between walking and working without compromising on comfort. If you struggle with finding the right shoe for yourself, feel free to reach out to our team! 

Keep and Eye on Your Balance

Remember that most desk treadmills don’t have bars. (This makes it easier for them to slide under a standing desk or couch for storage.) If you struggle with stability issues or find yourself holding onto a standard treadmill’s railings while walking, consider finding another piece of at-home equipment to help you stay active. Not having stability can lead to your foot or ankle rolling as you try to catch yourself falling from the treadmill. 

As you consider incorporating one into your home office, don’t forget the importance of proper footwear to support your foot health! If you’re struggling with foot pain or lacking proper footwear, consult with a foot and ankle specialist like those at North Texas Foot & Ankle. Our incredible professional team can assess your issues, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options. We also sell supportive shoe options to help people struggling with prior foot & ankle injuries. Give us a call at 214-574-WALK(9255). The team at North Texas Foot & Ankle is ready to help!