In slippers or without – how is it healthier to walk around the house? Answered by a podiatrist

Orthopedic traumatologist, chief podiatrist of the OPTEKA network

How to take care of foot health? Is it safe to walk barefoot? Do I have to wear house shoes?

The health of our feet determines our well-being, joints, spine and even our bite. That being said, our feet are stressed when we walk or just stand in one place. Even walking the wrong way around the house can have a negative impact on the body if precautions are not taken.

Due to their arch shape, the feet act as shock absorbers and protect the legs and spine from shock loads. If a person walks barefoot on flat surfaces, the feet become more spread out. This contributes to the development of flat feet – a pathology in which the arches of the foot decrease over time, so their arches become flatter. Subsequently, orthopedic disease does not allow the feet to properly perform the function of a shock absorber, which leads to wear and tear on the joints, inflammation and pain. Also, the lack of normal support becomes the cause of overstretching the muscles of the lower leg, thigh and lower back.

Improper footwear, constant barefoot walking, footwork, too intense physical exertion, injuries – these factors can provoke the development of flat feet or aggravate its course. Flatfoot worsens the biomechanics of gait, because the load on the feet is distributed incorrectly. The support goes to the entire sole, and the gait changes. This also overstretches muscles and ligaments, which affects the endurance of the body.

It is not recommended to walk barefoot at home, so as not to put additional stress on the feet at the end of the day. It is better to walk in slippers. Just keep in mind that if they have a very thin sole, they will not protect your feet. Choose slippers with a good shock-absorbing sole or special orthopedic shoes for home.

Why do athletes need to pay special attention to foot health?

You need to be especially attentive to footwear if you are engaged in sports. After all, the effectiveness of training often depends on the condition of the feet. Constantly wearing the wrong shoes and walking barefoot at home create additional stress on the feet. It can lead not only to flat feet, but also, as a consequence, to problems with the knees.

If the feet can not cope with the shock load during training, even intervertebral discs suffer. Their changes lead to the appearance of hernias. When the muscles of the legs are overstretched, the feet get tired faster, begin to ache. This affects the effectiveness of training, as it becomes more difficult to perform exercises and recover between workouts. In addition, flat feet increase the risk of injury and contribute to additional strain on the body.