When you notice how thick and yellow your toenails are, you might dismiss it as a sign of aging or figure you just got the “bad toenail” gene. But thick, discolored nails are often caused by a fungal infection that needs medical treatment.
There is something so liberating about running around barefoot — whether it’s feeling the sand in between your feet on a beach frolick, or getting faster sprinting times — running barefoot is an option most avid runner’s consider at one point or another. While barefoot had been quietly putting around in the background of popular culture, it wasn’t until Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run, hit the market that this quiet, albeit fringe practice, made its way to the forefront of running. So, is barefoot running good for your feet?
At Allcare Foot and Ankle Care, we see various foot concerns such as plantar fasciitis, so our foot specialists are always here to arm you with relevant foot information as it relates to running. Learn more about barefoot running and what it means for your feet!
Shoes or No Shoes?
The running community has its fair share of running fads — from questioning if running on pavement is a problem, to the ongoing debate of shoes (or no shoes) and what styles are the best.
The notion of barefoot running comes from the Tarahumara culture in Mexico and the long distances they would cover barefoot, or in minimalist type sandals. From an early age, they made their treks in the rugged Copper Canyons, seemingly immune to injury. A theory was then adopted that, barefoot running was more advantageous for runner’s, possibly preventing common running injuries.
And then, the nation went crazy about barefoot running!
The idea that your body has proprioceptive capabilities that connect with your feet and that when you engage in barefoot running your body better engages the tendons, muscles, and bones in your feet protecting you from all the things you may encounter on the path. Conversely, when you wear shoes your body gets to take a sort of a nap and not stay engaged as to what is going on.
You have to consider a couple of things before going completely shoeless, such as:
On the other hand, professionals do agree that strengthening your feet in an otherwise shoe-filled world, does some good, and small amounts of barefoot running may be beneficial!
You Might Also Enjoy...
When you notice how thick and yellow your toenails are, you might dismiss it as a sign of aging or figure you just got the “bad toenail” gene. But thick, discolored nails are often caused by a fungal infection that needs medical treatment.
Gout — a form of arthritis — has become more common in the last few decades in the United States. If you have sudden pain in your big toe or a swollen joint, don’t ignore it. Learn the typical symptoms of gout and what you can do to help prevent it.
The right shoes can make your feet feel better. They can also prevent pain in your hips, back, and knees. Learn more about why the proper shoes are so important for your feet.
While harsh winter weather can wreak havoc with your body, you can keep your feet healthy with proper care and precautions. Follow these winter foot care tips so you’ll be ready for sandals and flip-flops when warmer temperatures return.
Are you experiencing chronic foot pain? Finding relief means addressing the underlying condition that’s causing you discomfort. Learn about common issues that can affect your feet and how to deal with the pain.
Having diabetes requires special care of your body, including your feet. Taking care of your feet reduces your chances of developing painful infections that limit your mobility and diminish your quality of life.