Is Walking Barefoot healthy for your feet?

When you walk into the door and stepped your shoes, it hurts the health of your feet to walk barefoot on hard floors? It is not the most comfortable feeling, but doctors say there can be some benefits – with a few reservations.

First, let’s start with a definition of barefoot: according to the Cambridge dictionary and dictionary and experts ranging from podolists to dermatologists – does not go on naked feet.

“Barefoot is skin to ground,” explains a licensed clinical podiatrist Dr. Robert Conenello. “Everything else is considered shot, because even socks change movement mechanics.”

“I am a big supporter of going barefoot at home,” said Conenello. ‘[The practice] Increases intrinsic muscle strength in the feet. “

He explained that the primary advantage of running barefoot is the reinforcement of the muscles in the feet, which tend to weaken “as we get older and wear shoes.” These muscles are closely linked to our overall mobility, so their decline can contribute to reduced movement as we get older.

“Many of the pathologies that I see in my practice are due to the inability to involve these muscles for normal movements and metabolic efficiency,” Conenello added.

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, who has a focus in dermatology, agreed with that overall assessment and also said that at home barefoot can have an unexpected benefits for the skin on your feet.

“Walk barefoot at home … Let your skin breathe, which can help prevent moisture building and reduce the risk of fungal infections such as the base of the athlete,” she explained.

Although it is not directly related to dermatology, walking at home can also offer a secondary skin -related benefit, one connected with sensory stimulation and overall well -being.

“Feeling the texture of different surfaces under the foot can be grounding and relaxing, almost like a mini reflexology session,” Kopelman said. “For those without underlying skin or foot conditions, this can be a natural way to make contact with your environment and to promote mindfulness.”

To say it concisely, to choose to go shoeless and sockless in your clean house, help you strengthen your feet, offering long -term rewards and at the same time reducing the risk of skin conditions. Moreover, it offers a kind of natural massage that can be surprisingly relaxing.

A potentially disadvantage of barefoot entering is the increased exposure to irritating substances or allergens on the floor, such as dust, pets of pets or the cleaning of chemicals, as Kopelman remarked. For people with sensitive skin or chronic conditions such as contact dermatitis or eczema, this can be a considerable care.

Although Conenello recognizes similar risks – such as stepping on pathogens such as fungi in humid environments – he quickly emphasizes that “correct hygiene can help reduce these risks.”

“Wash your feet regularly, dry them thoroughly and hydrate them,” he advised.

Other painful risks associated with barefoot are the potential for slipping on smooth or wet surfaces, or on something hard and sharp steps that can cause injury. Just as everyone who has ever put a toe or accidentally stepped on a LEGO, such incidents can be unbearable. Kopelman points out that people with diabetes or a poor circulation are more vulnerable to serious consequences, because “even a small foot injury can lead to serious health problems.”

Kopelman also noticed that, although walking on bare feet, muscles can help reinforce the repeated practice to do this on hard surfaces may lead to foot fatigue or plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the tissue connects the heel bone with the toes, inflamed touches.

“Over time, the lack of damping can cause stress to the joints, especially with those who already have pedestrian or joint problems,” she explained.

Although Conenello is generally a supporter of barefoot, he advises wearing foot support when performing tasks that stand for a long time- such as during cooking.

“If there is barefoot for a long time, there may be excessive stress to one part of the foot,” he said. “Even my professional chefs usually benefit from a shoe with which they can balance the weight over their entire foot.”

To further illustrate the concept, he made an analogy. ‘[Let’s say] That you developed a considerable core strength by carrying out some shelves, “he said. “I would not recommend that you will add a considerable time or weight to your training routine prematurely.”

There is of course a middle ground: socks.

According to Conenello: “There is nothing wrong with wearing socks.” They will simply reduce the benefits related to being barefoot. “There is now a filter between the ground and the foot,” he said.

Kopelman added that socks “can offer minimal protection against small scrapes or allergens, while your feet can still feel relatively free.” Direct contact with surfaces that can accommodate bacteria or irritating agents is also minimized when wearing socks.

If all the pros and cons are taken into account, walking barefoot at home, especially on clean and well-maintained floors is not only safe, but generally healthy … unless you are dealing with a kind of skin condition (think of Psoriasis, eczema or, for example, the foot of the athlete) that can be exacerbated by the presence of bacteria.

“Likewise, people with diabetes, neuropathy or poor blood circulation must prevent barefoot because of the increased risk of unnoticed injuries or infections,” Kopelman said.

Barefoot Selective seems to be the best option. Moderation is indeed key.