Astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for 9 months have returned to Earth. Critical health issues like ‘baby feet’ await the returning astronauts.

American astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore had been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) since June due to technical issues with Boeing spacecraft. After a long wait, the duo and two other astronauts landed in the Gulf Coast waters off Florida after a nearly 17-hour journey. However, after the long suspension in space, Suni and Butch may look and feel a bit different upon their return to Earth. One concern is a condition known as ‘baby feet,’ which can be quite uncomfortable. WHAT IS BABY FEET?

When walking on Earth, people’s foot soles are constantly subjected to pressure and friction. This causes the skin on the feet to thicken over time, protecting them from abrasions, discomfort, and pain. However, in the absence of gravity in space, the foot soles of astronauts who cannot walk are subjected to almost no pressure. “SKIN PEELS SLOWLY”

Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao stated in an interview with NewsNation Prime, “The thick and callused skin on your feet slowly peels off within six months to a year.” Chiao mentioned that after the shedding of the tough skin, the feet typically remain soft and sensitive, saying, “When you return to Earth, it’s like having baby feet.” The process of the feet re-hardening and gaining resilience can take weeks or even months. Walking during this period can be uncomfortable and even painful. Chiao also mentioned feeling somewhat ill, resembling the sensation of having the flu, and it takes a few weeks to feel normal again due to disrupted balance. Another former NASA astronaut, Terry Virts, described his initial sensation upon setting foot on Earth as if experiencing a heavy bout of vertigo and struggled to regain his balance. WHAT OTHER SIDE EFFECTS ARE ASTRONAUTS FACING?

The human body developed to exist in a gravity environment faces problems with physical functions such as equilibrium, muscle mass, and cell production when exposed to a gravity-free environment for an extended period. Therefore, upon their return to Earth, astronauts may experience severe dizziness due to encountering gravity again. Living in a gravity-free environment for a long time hinders the functioning of the muscles used in daily life on Earth. For example, the legs are not necessary for walking or the neck and back muscles are not necessary for standing upright. Consequently, the human body begins to gradually break down unused muscles. This process is known as muscle atrophy. HEARTS SHRINK

Additionally, astronauts who spend an extended time in a gravity-free environment may have smaller hearts because the body no longer needs as much effort to pump blood. Moreover, the body fluids of astronauts move differently in a gravity-free environment, putting pressure on the optic nerve and causing blurred vision. In addition, long-term isolation and confinement in a small space can lead to psychological effects, anxiety, and depression. HOW DO ASTRONAUTS RECOVER?

Upon returning to Earth, astronauts undergo physical and psychological evaluations. Subsequently, a comprehensive rehabilitation process begins, including strengthening training, cardiovascular exercises, and psychological support. Most astronauts fully recover over time. However, some may experience long-term effects.