If you are an avid follower of natural wellness trends you may be aware of the recent wave of people opting to forget their shoes and spend their day-to-day lives barefoot. Advocates of barefoot walking claim that it strengthens foot muscles and promotes a greater sense of balance and connection to the ground. But, those with knowledge of podiatry and the function of the feet feel otherwise.
Our team of expert Georgia and South Carolina-based podiatrists are here to debunk these podiatry myths and shed light on the importance of traditional footwear and proper foot care for maintaining optimal foot health.
Podiatry Myth: Going Barefoot is Always Best
Despite current trends and beliefs, going barefoot is not the best choice for maintaining and optimizing foot health. While it is true that going barefoot can strengthen the foot muscles, barefoot walking also leaves you more susceptible to injury and foot pain. Keep reading to learn exactly how going barefoot can affect your overall foot and physical well-being.
Going Barefoot Leaves Your Feet Vulnerable
Shoes in their most basic form are meant to provide protection for the feet and serve as a barrier against potentially harmful objects on the ground. Even the most basic of footwear prevents scrapes and cuts on the bottom of your feet. Imagine dropping something heavy and having it land on your bare feet. I’m sure we can all agree that the foot pain we would feel would be much less severe had we had a pair of shoes on.
Podiatrists say that uncovered feet are also more susceptible to picking up fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and plantar warts. We always recommend wearing sandals or shower shoes when walking barefoot in damp areas. As a bonus, shoes will help prevent you from slipping in addition to warding off infections.
Going Barefoot Weakens Your Gait
The way you walk, or your gait, can be impacted by walking on rough or uneven surfaces, which can lead to weakening of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the feet. This can affect the overall health of your feet and the way you walk. Without the support of shoes, the musculature in the feet will loosen. Walking barefoot specifically affects the plantar fascia which is the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes.
To maintain optimal foot health opt for supportive footwear when walking or participating in physical activity. Walking on hard surfaces will only weaken your gait and lead to foot pain. Shoes will provide support to the muscles and reduce ankle and foot pain.
Going Barefoot Will Worsen Pre-Existing Conditions
Walking barefoot on hard surfaces like concrete can exacerbate foot pain, especially for individuals dealing with constant foot pain or pre-existing conditions. This can potentially worsen existing pain and lead to overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, and flat feet.
Therefore, individuals with such conditions need to avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces to prevent the worsening of these issues. Individuals with pre-existing foot conditions should prioritize support as walking barefoot can be excruciating.
Going Barefoot Increases Risk For Diabetics
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot-related problems and should avoid walking barefoot whenever possible. Due to the impact of diabetes on nerve function in the feet, it can be more challenging to detect cuts, scrapes, or bruises.
Because of this, diabetics should wear properly fitting shoes and consult with a podiatrist to determine which style is best. Individuals with diabetes should also make regular appointments with a podiatrist to ensure their foot health is monitored and any issues are addressed promptly.
Safe Occasions To Go Barefoot
Now you may be wondering, when is it safe to go barefoot? Our podiatry team says that it is safe to go barefoot in the comfort of your home. With soft carpet surfaces and couches to rest your feet, there is not much to worry about. However, even in the home, it's important to remember the effects of going barefoot.
If you plan to be standing in the kitchen for hours or deep cleaning your home consider throwing on a pair of supportive shoes or sneakers. Even standing barefoot for a few hours can contribute to foot pain and irritation.
Consult With A Podiatrist Before Going Barefoot
Understanding the common misconceptions about walking barefoot trends emphasizes the significance of wearing supportive footwear. The role of supportive footwear cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining foot health and reducing foot pain. Going without shoes can make you more vulnerable to developing foot-related issues or worsen existing conditions.
At Physicians Footcare we treat an array of foot and ankle conditions such as heel pain, diabetic foot care, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis. For all foot-related questions and concerns please feel free to contact our expert team of podiatrists. With offices throughout Georgia and South Carolina, we can tackle your foot pain together. Schedule an appointment with our team today!
