Foot sole health to check before walking barefoot

 

Burning sensation in the soles of the feet with each step, plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a strong fibrous band that extends from the heel of the foot to the front of the sole. It can be easily thought of as an insole within our body. It absorbs the weight applied to the entire foot and helps in lifting the foot during movement. Although it is a very tough tissue, it naturally becomes strained when it bears our body weight all day long. When walking or standing for long periods, or when wearing shoes with insufficient cushioning, inflammation can occur in this fascia, which is called plantar fasciitis.

The pain from plantar fasciitis is the strongest in the morning. After the plantar fascia has been in a heavily contracted state overnight, starting to walk in the morning causes sudden stretching, which triggers the pain.

Thinking that walking barefoot will make your sore soles better is a mistake. Walking barefoot without shoes increases the impact on the plantar fascia and worsens inflammation.

Since many nerves are concentrated in the soles of the feet, they react sensitively to stimuli such as itching. Women often wear shoes with narrow widths, which force the feet to be pushed toward the center. At the same time, nerves are also compressed at the tips of the toes, and this pressure, when prolonged, causes the nerves between the toes to be pinched, a condition called interdigital neuroma.

Interdigital neuroma mainly occurs between the second and third toes. It causes a tingling or stabbing pain in the toes.

For these people, walking barefoot only adds pressure to the nerves and does not help improve their condition. Instead, it can compromise walking safety, worsen nerve compression, and potentially increase pain.

The big toe plays a very important role in our walking. Proper big toe gait is essential for maintaining stable and comfortable walking. However, in patients with flat feet, where the arch of the foot is too low, or in those with high arches, such as in cavus foot, walking with the big toe is more difficult than in people with normal arches.

Difficulty walking with the thumb does not cause immediate problems. However, complications develop slowly. Due to the disrupted walking balance, shocks are transmitted to the knees or lower back, and if it persists, it can lead to diseases. In such cases, it is better to wear shoes that help maintain walking balance rather than walking barefoot.

Walking well is more important than anything else for a healthy life. However, our feet also age. Ignoring the signals sent by your feet makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.