Anyone who suffers from back or joint pain knows how hard it is to stand on hard surfaces for long periods. This is because hard surfaces, such as a carpet spread over concrete, can exacerbate your ankles, feet, knees, spine, or hips. That is why choosing the right flooring to use can help provide relief, whether you have plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, or herniated discs. Knowing the right flooring to use can help protect your body and make you feel comfortable living or working in your home, which is why in this article, we will list down some of the best floorings to use to keep your feet comfortable and healthy.
Bamboo
Just like cork, bamboo flooring is also soft, which means that it’s more shock-absorbent compared to hardwood. This means that bamboo flooring can even absorb shock, which plays an important role in decreasing joint and back pain. That is why over the years, bamboo floorings have become a popular residential flooring alternative. Like cork, bamboo flooring is also one of the most eco-friendly flooring options because it can be harvested every three to five years. Not unlike other trees that require up to twenty years to fully mature.
Linoleum
Most people often confuse vinyl floors with linoleum floors. However, they are not the same. If you will inspect it closely, you will be able to quickly tell them apart because a linoleum floor requires a cloth underlay, while vinyl floors have an adhesive in them so that it will stick directly on the concrete base of your house. The linoleum’s cloth underlay and the renewable and lighter materials needed to create a linoleum can give you the back and joint support you need to reduce pain.
Cork
Cork is not the type of flooring that most people consider, but it offers some fantastic benefits, even if that’s the case. Cork floorings are made with a softer wood, that is why it is easy on the joints while being resilient and durable. Cork flooring feels cushiony and soft under your feet because it has the ability to compresses to 40% of its size when it is under pressure. When this happens, the flooring absorbs shock, then springs back to shape. Aside from being a cushion to your feet and spine, cork flooring can also protect you from falls.
Aside from its benefits on the body, cork is also an ecological product that has antimicrobial properties. It has a naturally-occurring and hydrophobic substance called suberin, which repels bacteria and water, which is why it creates a healthier flooring environment for everyone.
Area and Throw Rugs
Fitting new floors in your home may sound like a perfect future project; however, if you are looking for instant flooring relief, you can find them with rugs. Area and throw rugs come in different shapes and sizes, which means that they can easily fit in an entire room or even in your doorway. If you’re planning to get one, we suggest that you consider a custom area rug made with plush materials or memory foam to make standing and walking more comfortable. Just keep in mind that super soft rugs are not recommended for people using walkers and other assistive devices because they could increase the risk of tripping.