The Pros and Cons of Walking Barefoot

Walking barefoot around your house is a common occurrence. However, many people choose to walk barefoot in the great outdoors – a concept known as grounding. Our chiropractor at East Lake Chiropractic and Medical Center in St. Cloud offers this guidance regarding walking barefoot outside.

The Pros of Walking Barefoot

Walking barefoot offers these wellness benefits:

    • Better Balance and Posture – Walking barefoot can help strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet, ankles, and lower extremities, potentially improving balance, posture, and sports and exercise performance.

    • Enhanced Circulation – increased movement in lower limbs may help promote better blood circulation.

    • Stimulation of Reflexology Points – these points have the potential to influence various body processes.

    • Improved Heart Health – Studies show that walking barefoot (i.e., proactively connecting with Earth) can reduce blood viscosity levels, which may lower blood pressure.

The Cons of Walking Barefoot

While there are benefits to walking barefoot, there are risks as well, as walking without shoes will increase one’s risk of:

    • Infections – the risk of infections, such as hookworm or even a potential diabetic foot condition, is significantly larger when walking barefoot than when your feet are covered and protected. Athlete’s Foot, for example, is a fungal infection that impacts the skin on your toes and/or feet. Walking without shoes on any surface where fungal spores can grow – think public bathrooms, sports locker rooms, exercise rooms, and swimming pools, increases your risk of Athlete’s Foot.

    • Injuries – In addition to developing an infection, when you walk without shoes, you are at a greater risk of injury. Your bare, unprotected skin is more prone to injuries – be it from broken glass or sharp rocks, plus the risk of infections that develop from injuries sustained while walking barefoot. It is noted that walking barefoot may also cause problems with the arch in your foot, requiring arch support.

Contact East Lake Chiropractic and Medical Center in St. Cloud, FL

Are you looking for a chiropractor near you? Call East Lake Chiropractic and Medical Center in St. Cloud at 407-957-9995 or contact us online to learn more about how our chiropractor can help you reach maximum wellness.