Some people are accustomed to walking barefoot at home, letting their feet touch the ground as if to feel more connected to the earth. But is this practice good for health? Are there any precautions to consider? Let’s see what doctors have to say.
According to a report by the Huffington Post, walking barefoot means not wearing shoes or socks, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary and experts in podiatry and dermatology.
Dr. Robert Conenello, a podiatrist practicing in New York, explains that walking barefoot allows the skin to make direct contact with the ground. He emphasizes that even wearing socks modifies the foot’s movement mechanics.
While walking barefoot on hard floors at home may not always be comfortable, several doctors, including Dr. Conenello, suggest doing so as it can have various health benefits, although some individuals with specific health issues may not be suitable for this practice.
Dr. Conenello promotes walking barefoot at home as it helps strengthen the internal muscles of the feet. He believes that this practice can counteract the weakening of these muscles caused by aging and wearing shoes, which are crucial for overall physical mobility and metabolism efficiency.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist in New York, also points out unexpected benefits of walking barefoot at home, such as allowing the skin to breathe and thereby reducing the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
Furthermore, walking barefoot at home can provide sensory stimulation and contribute to overall well-being, almost akin to a mini reflexology session by experiencing different surface textures underfoot.
In summary, walking barefoot at home on clean floors can strengthen the feet and decrease the risk of skin conditions. It also offers natural foot massage and unexpected relaxation benefits.
However, Dr. Kopelman warns that walking barefoot at home could expose individuals to potential irritants or allergens present on the floor, such as dust, pet dander, or cleaning chemicals. This could pose significant issues for those with sensitive skin or chronic conditions like contact dermatitis or eczema.
While acknowledging similar risks involving exposure to pathogens like fungi in damp environments, Dr. Conenello stresses that maintaining proper hygiene practices, including frequent foot washing, can mitigate these risks.
Other risks associated with walking barefoot include slipping on smooth or wet surfaces or stepping on sharp or hard objects that could cause injuries. People with diabetes or poor circulation are particularly susceptible to severe consequences, as even minor foot injuries can lead to significant health problems.
Dr. Kopelman warns that repetitive barefoot walking on hard surfaces may result in foot fatigue or plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone and toes. Long-term lack of cushioning can exert pressure on the foot joints, especially for those with existing foot or joint issues.
While Dr. Conenello encourages walking barefoot at home, he advises wearing shoes or socks for extended standing activities like cooking to prevent excessive strain on specific areas of the feet.
Adding to this, Dr. Kopelman suggests that socks offer minimal protection against minor abrasions or allergens while still providing relative freedom of movement for the feet. Wearing socks can minimize direct contact with surfaces potentially harboring bacteria or irritants.
In conclusion, walking barefoot at home is generally safe and healthy, especially on clean and well-maintained floors. However, individuals with skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or athlete’s foot should avoid going barefoot as bacteria presence may exacerbate these conditions. Similarly, individuals with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation should refrain from barefoot walking to reduce health risks.