ATTEMPT TO RUN BAREFOOT REQUIRES TRANSITIONING

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Experts believe that cushioned shoes negatively affect balance, stability, and foot strength because the layer of foam between your feet and the ground dulls the messaging between your feet and your brain. Wearing cushioned shoes may also become a sort of crutch, making your feet extra sensitive and causing your ankles to weaken. Before you kick off your shoes for good, however, know that going barefoot isn’t actually the best answer (at least not for everyone). Living a sans-shoes lifestyle may strengthen your feet, but it doesn’t come without risks, says Paul Langer, DPM

 

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Dr. Paul Langer

 

“Aside from the obvious — stepping on sharp objects — the biggest risks are making the transition from conventional shoes too quickly and not allowing for adaptation,” Dr. Langer says. This concept applies to any change in activity, he points out, not just going barefoot. “Just as you shouldn’t go from being sedentary to running five days a week, neither should you go from wearing cushioned, supportive shoes to barefoot or minimalist [shoes].” Instead, you should gradually build up to the scenario and allow your body to comfortably adapt to the new stress or loads. Attempting to forgo the crucial adaptation period can lead to severe soreness in your arches, heels, ankles, calves, knees, and even your hips. In a worst-case scenario, you might actually make your gait worse by trying to transition too quickly.

 

Source: C/NET [3/20/21]


Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News

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