When astronauts return to Earth from space, they typically experience a number of physiological problems as a result of long periods of weightlessness. One of the lesser-understood health complications is known as “baby feet.” This effect, which is likely to occur in NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore when they return to Earth, can make walking uncomfortable and challenging. But what is this condition, and why does it occur?

NASA, SpaceX cancel astronauts’ return; new date is here

NASA and SpaceX on Wednesday scrubbed the launch attempt of the agency’s Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station due to a “hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A” at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.The next available launch opportunity is no earlier than 7:26 pm EDT on Thursday, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA Kennedy pending review of the issue, according to the statement released by NASA.
Launch coverage will start at 3:25 pm (local time) on NASA+. and docking is targeted at 11:30 pm (local time) on Friday.

What is this strange space syndrome?

The term “baby feet” describes the hypersensitivity and softening of the soles of astronauts’ feet after spending an extended period in microgravity. In space, astronauts do not walk or put pressure on their feet the way they do on Earth. Instead, they float and use their hands to move around, often gripping bars and handles inside the spacecraft. As a result, their feet, particularly the soles, undergo significant changes.
The thickened skin on the bottom of the feet, which naturally develops from walking and standing, gradually softens due to the lack of pressure and friction.
The main reason for ‘baby feet’ in astronauts is the lack of weight-bearing exercise in space. On the ground, the soles of our feet bear constant pressure from standing, walking, and shoe-wearing. This causes the development of a thicker, tougher layer of skin, referred to as calluses.
When astronauts come back to Earth, they might feel pain, tingling, or discomfort when they put their feet on the ground. They can compare the feeling to walking barefoot for a period of months after going around in soft slippers, or walking on rough ground with skin that is newly developed. Long-duration space travel will cause altered blood flow and sensitivity in nerves, contributing to the sensation of discomfort when touching the ground once again.

How do astronauts recover from baby feet?

Rehabilitation is a critical component of an astronaut’s return to regular life on Earth. NASA and other space agencies have established programs that help astronauts reverse the effects of microgravity. The important steps are:
Astronauts need to gradually re-acclimatize their feet to pressure and friction by walking on soft surfaces before changing over to harder surfaces. This toughens the skin once more and minimizes discomfort.
Specific exercises are designed to restore muscle strength in the legs and feet. Resistance training and stretching restore mobility and endurance.
Balance training is given to astronauts to restore coordination and stability. This can include standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, and using balance boards.
Proper hydration and a calcium-rich diet help restore bone and muscle health, aiding in overall recovery.

Other effects of space travel on feet

Apart from ‘baby feet,’ astronauts experience several other physiological changes that can affect their lower limbs:
In microgravity, body fluids move upward toward the head, leading to a puffy face and thinner legs, a condition often called “chicken leg syndrome.” Upon returning to Earth, the body re-adjusts, and the feet may feel swollen and sore as normal blood circulation resumes.
Since walking and running are unnecessary in space, astronauts experience muscle loss, especially in their legs and feet. Even though they follow strict exercise regimens in orbit, their foot muscles may still weaken, making it challenging to walk properly after landing.
The inner ear, responsible for maintaining balance, also accommodates weightlessness. When returning to Earth, astronauts frequently have trouble with dizziness, impaired coordination, and standing upright because their bodies have to readapt to gravity.
Long-term exposure to microgravity results in bone loss, especially in weight-carrying bones such as the feet and legs. This is a risk factor for fractures and makes rehabilitation after the mission a necessity.