With the growing usage of barefoot athletic shoes, as well as our fondness for hitting our lovely coastlines when the sun shines, one issue that physiotherapists are asked many times is whether Can Walking Barefoot Cause Foot Pain.
While some people could walk barefoot for the rest of their lives, maybe you’re one of many such individuals who did feel discomfort or pain once walking or running; you may very well be suffering from just a variety of similar foot conditions that, if left unaddressed and unattended, can cause pain and long-term complications.
Why is it so harmful to us to walk barefoot? (Can Walking Barefoot Cause Foot Pain)
Walking barefoot on concrete floors causes our feet to buckle, putting a great deal of stress on not just the foot but also the entire body. Our feet normally condition possible even during the range of motion.
However, whenever you travel barefoot, we forefoot for a longer duration, altering the dynamics, tension, and load capacity over the foot.
The imbalance could hasten the growth of fundamental foot abnormalities, including blisters and nerve entrapment, as well as pain disorders like arch/ foot pain, quad splints/ anterior tibial inflammation, and Achilles ligament injuries. This misalignment could therefore spread up, impacting other body components, including our back and knees.
What are the most common foot problems that are aggravated or triggered by walking barefoot?
Walking barefoot introduces our feet to germs and fungi that can cause skin and nail infections. Infections that enhance the image, odor, and pleasure of the foot, including such foot fungus as well as antifungal nails, could be caused by such organisms.
Individuals with swollen, arid, flaky feet frequently believe they ought to moisturize with an ordinary cream whereas, in actuality, they require an anti-fungal treatment to treat this same scaliness caused by a fungal infection. These microorganisms like dark, wet locations to thrive.
People frequently develop these diseases by wandering barefoot in public swimming establishments and stadiums since they are extremely infectious. Such microorganisms first infiltrate the skin before moving on to the toenails, causing thickness, discoloration, and fragility.
Both of these situations are unattractive and add to an unpleasant stench. As the skin fissures and fractures and the nail develops, increasing strain on the toes, the flesh and nails eventually become uncomfortable.
Why does walking barefoot hurt so much?
There are several explanations for how it is that your feet could ache whenever you wander barefoot, but unless you’ve encountered any of the foregoing, you should see your podiatrist:
- A rapid rise in the severity or frequency of your pain, or if you were formerly pain-free.
- You can’t put any pressure on your feet.
- In your feet, you detect inflammation and burning. This will necessitate a doctor’s visit as well as a clinic right away.
- If you have diabetes and discover that the knees hurt or even the feelings in your feet have altered, you should seek medical attention.
- You detect trembling, stiffness, or cramps in your feet, as well as discomfort.
- You discover an infected wound on your foot, as well as bleeding, mucus, or any other liquid in your stockings or footwear.
Is there a specific group of people who are more susceptible to these illnesses?
People with diabetes: Since diabetes disrupts the natural moisture of the skin, the smoothness, contour, and turgidity of the aging skin.
This can cause the skin to add another layer, elevating infection risk. This issue is further aggravated by the fact that people with diabetes have a weakened immune system and hence have a harder time combating infection.
People in labor occupations, such as building workers, might be a little more susceptible since they must wear boots for longer timeframes in outside situations and are more susceptible to bacteria and dampness.
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The following are some of the most common symptoms of prolonged barefoot walking:
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia seems to be a thick band of tissue that extends from the base down the toes. The fascia is stretched to its limit whenever our feet drop totally without even any added comfort.
Step by step, it could become sensitive to microtears as a result of being pushed and twisted. To avoid this ailment, use proper shoes (particularly insoles) that keep the fascia firmly cushioned with each step.
Heel and Achilles Tendon Pain
When we take our steps, the sole is really the first section of our feet to contact the ground. We will be much more susceptible to experiencing heel and Achilles discomfort if we perform this stride after stride on stony and unyielding surfaces. Indeed, the pressures from the rocky ground are passed through into the bottom of our soles and legs up.
Metatarsalgia
The phrase “metatarsalgia” refers to discomfort in the middle of the foot.
Walking without even any supplementary extra padding and perhaps even assistance from shoes could perhaps give rise to the forefoot as well as plantar pain, concussion, and excessive due to the huge amount of bone fragments, joints, connective tissue, and hamstrings in this region of the foot, uncovering the ball of the foot to any and all vertical ground reaction and the concrete slab of the floor with each and every move.
Fat pad injury and stone bruising
We must have had the uncomfortable situation of walking barefoot on such gravel or other smaller object. Deep damage and swelling on the fatty cushion of the heels or the sole of the foot are common outcomes.
Is it harmful to always wear shoes?
While it is recommended to wear shoes when walking outdoors, wandering around your house barefoot can give your feet a breather. It’s not a terrible idea to carry shoes almost all of the moment if they give proper care and therefore are developed to enhance your foot condition.
In Conclusion: Some Benefits Of Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot on the smooth ground, including such cushioned carpeting, lawn, as well as sand (rather than hardwood flooring surfaces), has several advantages, including enhanced flow that assists in replenishing the nerves, and tendons, including the cartilage of the feet, along with reducing edema in the extremities.
Walking barefoot can also increase the properties and suppleness of the foot’s muscles and ligaments, enhancing foot capacity and decreasing foot injuries while improving stance and overall balance. As walking barefoot may cause pain, purchasing the best comfortable and appropriate shoes for your needs is necessary.
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