SIt’s called barefoot and it’s nothing more than walking barefoot on the ground. Such an ancient practice, the use of which has been lost due to shoes, has many benefits. But not only. Why Walking barefoot also carries risks, not only for the terrain chosen, preferably beach, grass and house floor, but also for any problems you suffer from. Like bunions or diabetes.
Feet, walking barefoot to reconnect with nature
Walking barefoot in the open air is a return to the origins: «Barefooting, or the increasingly popular practice of walking barefoot, promises to reconnect with nature both by reactivating direct contact between the foot and the ground and by awakening all those plantar endings now numb from the lack of stimulation» explains the Prof. Paolo Collivadino, specialist in orthopedics and traumatologyprosthetic surgery, arthroscopic surgery and regenerative orthopedics, at Clinic Boutique.
Over time the sole of the foot, very rich in nerve endings and receptors fundamental for balance, has become very weakened due to the use of footwear. Many mechanical and sensory stimuli have been lost, which is why walking barefoot on certain terrains has many benefits not only for the extremities themselves, which rediscover forgotten points, but also for the mind. «Walking barefoot is good for blood circulation and balance, as it stimulates the nervous structures and receptors present in the sole of the foot which are usually understimulated with the use of shoes. But there is also a psychosomatic benefit: the new tactile stimulation on the sole of the foot, to which one is no longer accustomed, acts positively on the nervous system, inducing relaxation and well-being».
Not just a physical question, the benefits of barefoot on the mind
In fact, in addition to recovering some muscles and endings, the benefits of walking barefoot are also for the mind. Direct contact with the earth helps counteract the negative effects of a hectic life and stress. The walk in fact stimulates the entire plantar structure, inducing a sense of relaxation on the body and above all on the mind. It is no coincidence that direct contact between the foot and the ground has become important in some cultures.
Barefoot can therefore be considered as a real therapy? «Yes, especially if there are physical problems. For example, it is particularly recommended for children and adolescents with flat feet: walk up slightly uneven surfaces such as sandy beaches or lawns stimulates plantar receptors, fundamental for muscle development and maintenance of the arch of the foot. As orthopedists we advise mothers of children with these problems, in addition to using the insole when necessary, to let the little ones walk barefoot as much as possible, as it is an excellent exercise for the foot.”
Gradually start walking barefoot again
«Always walking barefoot can cause problemsas demonstrated by some patients who come to the orthopedist after having abused this habit, which has now become a trend” explains the expert who advises begin this practice graduallyjust as if it were a sporting activity.
«Suddenly starting again with long walks could cause functional overloads, inflammation or other foot problems due to the habit of wearing footwear that has caused some plantar muscles to fall asleep. Gradually the muscles reactivate, but it is important not to overdo it at the beginning to avoid problems that could later prove difficult to cure. Like any new practice, it must be resumed graduallywithout overdoing it, to get the foot used to this stimulation correctly and safely.”
The first safest ground to try? The floor of the houseideal for resuming this ancient habit.
When to avoid walking barefoot
Like all sports practices, too barefoot is not for everyone. Diabetic patients should avoid practicing it as well as those with circulatory problems, due to any injuries which can become complicated much faster. «The same goes for those who suffer from degenerative pathologies or painful foot disorders, such as hallux valgus. But also those who suffer from obesity should pay attention, so as not to risk trauma or distortion, even significant ones.”
Also pay attention to the terrain you choose: «Naturally, all terrains that could contain dangerous elements for the foot such as nails, broken glass or thorns should be avoided. The same goes for bumpy or hot ones, which increase the risk of injury.” If the first step is the floor of the house, you can then continue with a meadow or on the beach, Generally soft terrains are the ideal environment, as they allow stimulation of the foot in complete safety
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