[senior citizen]

I've been wondering if anyone has experienced foot, leg, knee pain while living on cement slab floors?

The northern states which predominately have wood floors in the living areas which are over the basement area, may not have cement floors throughout their homes, (except in the basements or sub basements which often become family rooms/recreation rooms/laundry rooms/office space, workshops/hobby rooms, etc.) so perhaps time exposed to the concrete might be minimal......but just wondering how those living part time as a snowbird or as a full time Florida resident might impact those with osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromylagia, Lupus, etc might feel after existing on cement slabs?

Some have mentioned to me it's a seasonal thing......but when the heat is turned on in the winter time it seems to take some of the dampness off.

Others say, it doesn't matter what season.....the achy feeling from the cement floors seems to permeate their bones/joints/legs.

Up north, some people find that they have radon beneath the cement.

There has been speculation that the radon might be contributing to the leg/bone/joint pain.......or even lung cancer.

Is that ever a problem in The Villages? Any of those willing to voice an honest response? Other parts of Fl. have felt their leg pain after moving there, whether part or full time, as they have shared with me.

Other than putting radiant heat under the floors, which is kind of crazy sounding given the heat of Florida, any solutions?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the matter....or personal experience living or working on cement slabs floors.
****************************
HEALTH PROBLEMS CAUSED BY LIVING ON CONCRETE FLOORS
Foot Discomfort
The lack of shock absorbency in concrete flooring affects feet first, causing the soles and heels
to ache.

Feet take the brunt of the hard impact, as the muscles in the feet absorb the impact to protect the legs, back and rest of the body.

Muscles can become sore, and over time, bones may even weaken as a result, leading to susceptibility to fracture.
Lower-Leg Pain
People who live for long periods of time on concrete floors may develop lower-leg pain as the feet fail to absorb the full shock of concrete to the joints.

The muscles in the calves can become sore as they endure more impact than usual from the hard concrete, and knees may begin to ache.

Over time, the joints in the knees can become permanently damaged and arthritis may develop.

Concrete floors have long been used in industrial buildings, and recently they have become popular in residential apartments and homes, too.

But while concrete floors are in vogue, people who live on them can suffer from a number of health problems resulting from exposure to concrete and the lack of shock absorbency they provide.

These health problems range from mild to severe and can have an impact that lasts for years.

Concrete floors can even cause permanent damage to muscles and cause long-lasting pain.

[tucson]

Yes I had leg aches & spider veins appear since living in a all tile house.

[graciegirl]

Yes. It is a change and not as comfortable as living on a surface with a sub floor.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

First I don't know of anyone here living on uncovered concrete floors, might be some but I doubt it. Otherwise it's not any different than if you have tile floors up north. if you are going to stand for a long time wear good shoes. There is also a benefit to living on uncovered concrete floors it would allow you to ground yourself without going outside. Grounding is purported to have health benefits

[tucson]

Originally Posted by Cantwaittoarrive

First I don't know of anyone here living on uncovered concrete floors, might be some but I doubt it. Otherwise it's not any different than if you have tile floors up north. if you are going to stand for a long time wear good shoes. There is also a benefit to living on uncovered concrete floors it would allow you to ground yourself without going outside. Grounding is purported to have health benefits

Hi, Can you explain "grounding", I've never heard of that term, thanks.

[rubicon]

Grounding like you can't ground your club in a bunker or a lateral hazard
but with feet on a concrete slab its a good thing

I am going to suggest that with some folks its anatomy with others its because of inadequate footwear and possible because of lack of exercise.

Many people have tile throughout their homes and walk around in sandals all day every day except for cold spells here and never have foot, ankle leg problems

PS What does good grounding me when it comes to a concrete floor

[asianthree]

There is a difference between the concrete carpeted floors in Florida in our home there then the carpeted areas and wood floors in our home up north. I think it just takes time to get used to. If you're putting a new carpeting you can always go to a better dense carpet pad

[pooh]

Having lived in houses built on a concrete slab since 1974, I can tell you what I've experienced. It can cause some discomfort without a doubt. One way to help with the pain is to make sure you do not walk around without shoes on. It's really a simple solution. We walk around cities, malls, sidewalks and don't always complain about leg or foot discomfort...we have shoes on. I do walk barefoot indoors every now and then, but not often. If I don't want to wear shoes, I'll put on a pair of slippers....they offer some cushioning. Carpeted areas are easy to walk on.

The floors are not "damp" like one notices in basements. Slabs sit mostly above ground and we have the air conditioner on more months than not. Air conditioning tends to dry out the air so dampness hasn't been a problem with the air on. Winter is cooler, but not as cold as in other parts of the country. The soil is generally warmer than the air. Have not noticed "cold" floors in the winter.

As for radon, you can have testing done and mitigation systems set up I imagine. Hadn't thought too much about it since windows were open a lot when living out west. Here not so much in the summer. Honestly would have to research it a bit further, but not today....heading out for the day.

[pooh]

You can get some info from the Florida Dept. Of Health....

FAQ | Florida Department of Health

[Bogie Shooter]

Is this a plus or a minus in the long saga, of deciding to move or to not move to The Villages??

[zonerboy]

Foot, knee, and leg pain?
For some it is weight related.
For some it is age related.
Is it concrete slab related?
Post hoc, ergo propter hoc......Non.

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by zonerboy

Foot, knee, and leg pain?
For some it is weight related.
For some it is age related.
Is it concrete slab related?
Post hoc, ergo procter hoc......Non.

[manaboutown]

Having lived both in homes with concrete floors and homes with raised wood floors supported on beams I have found little difference in how my feet, knees, and so on feel. Currently, at age 72, I have homes with both concrete and raised wood floors and do not notice any difference when I walk around, usually in my stocking feet.

Most of the folks I have known who find concrete flooring uncomfortable are substantially overweight and/or have other health issues which make them particularly sensitive to the surfaces upon which they walk.

I agree with a prior poster. If a person wears proper foot gear the type of flooring in the home should not matter.

[John_W]

I had the opposite reaction. I hated wood floors over a basement, it made me want to walk lightly so as not to make so much noise. Since I grew up in Florida, I've worn flip-flops in the house all my life, never had a problem.

[fl boomer]

Lived in a condo full time on the beach with tile floors and constantly had leg pain & developed spider veins....finally realized it was because of the concrete under the floors.......always wear Crocs or slip on tennis shoes now & NO PROBLEMS!