Walking Barefoot - Can It Help Prevent Bone Problems?

Shoes may often have many adverse effects on your feet and lead to a number of foot related problems such as corns, calluses and bunions. Calluses are especially common in shoes with incorrect fittings, new healed or sports shoes. Hammer-toe, a condition where is the toe is bent downwards permanently, is also very widespread.

Most foot-related diseases are caused due to wearing shoes and not because of walking barefoot. Athlete's foot, for example, is a skin related disease caused by a fungus between the toes and is augmented mostly by a dark, warm and humid environment; exactly what shoes provide.

Running barefoot has a large number of health benefits. They help strengthening muscles, ligaments and tendons of the foot and allow the development of a natural gait. Also, research has shown that running at a high speed with shoes may be a cause for knee pain and increased ankle injuries; both of which are minimized while going barefoot.

Walking barefoot may not be such a great idea in a number of cases, especially if you have diabetes. This is because it leads to poor blood circulation in your feet and a decreased level of sensitivity. This may even prevent you from realizing if there is anything poking underneath you feet. In this regard, diabetics are advised to even wear shoes at home.