For years, going barefoot has seemed alluring. Individuals long to be barefoot on the beach. Additionally, there are runners that prefer to exercise barefoot. Even little children are constantly kicking their shoes off. While going barefoot may be appealing, it also has its risks. Walking or standing without shoes will allow your feet to become more susceptible to heel pain.
No Support
When you are barefoot, your feet have limited support. The fat pad along the sole of your foot becomes the only protection available. This padding guards your plantar fascia. After you walk barefoot on a hard surface for a substantial amount of time, the fat pad might not be effective at protecting the fascia. This could result in inflammation of the fascia, which often leads to heel pain.
Walking On Your Toes
Also, typically when you walk barefoot for an extended period of time, you stop walking normally. The average person initially steps on the ball of their foot. However, after too much time without shoes, you might begin to walk abnormally. In fact, many people begin to walk on their toes. This actually places added stress on the plantar fascia causing more heel pain.
Wear Your Shoes
Because heel pain is so prevalent among individuals that walk barefoot, wearing shoes is important. You need the support that your shoes provide. While there may be times where you will be required to take off your shoes, try to support your feet as much as possible. And make sure that you are wearing shoes that have proper support - not ones that are worn out and old.
The fact of the matter is, whether you suffer from heel pain or not, going barefoot is not recommended, particularly outside. In addition to leaving your feet with a severe lack of support, going barefoot outside exposes your entire foot; it is easy to cause a surface wound (or worse) to your skin. These minor injuries can cause major problems, particularly for diabetic patients who have a more difficult time healing.
No Support
When you are barefoot, your feet have limited support. The fat pad along the sole of your foot becomes the only protection available. This padding guards your plantar fascia. After you walk barefoot on a hard surface for a substantial amount of time, the fat pad might not be effective at protecting the fascia. This could result in inflammation of the fascia, which often leads to heel pain.
Walking On Your Toes
Also, typically when you walk barefoot for an extended period of time, you stop walking normally. The average person initially steps on the ball of their foot. However, after too much time without shoes, you might begin to walk abnormally. In fact, many people begin to walk on their toes. This actually places added stress on the plantar fascia causing more heel pain.
Wear Your Shoes
Because heel pain is so prevalent among individuals that walk barefoot, wearing shoes is important. You need the support that your shoes provide. While there may be times where you will be required to take off your shoes, try to support your feet as much as possible. And make sure that you are wearing shoes that have proper support - not ones that are worn out and old.
The fact of the matter is, whether you suffer from heel pain or not, going barefoot is not recommended, particularly outside. In addition to leaving your feet with a severe lack of support, going barefoot outside exposes your entire foot; it is easy to cause a surface wound (or worse) to your skin. These minor injuries can cause major problems, particularly for diabetic patients who have a more difficult time healing.
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