In the course of his life, a person covers an average distance that would take him around the globe four times. This fact alone should be enough to pay more attention to the feet and give them a lot of freedom. Instead of walking barefoot frequently, however, many men and even more women force their feet into the wrong shoes.
Wrong means: the shoes are not anatomically shaped, are too small, too big, too wide, too high, too tight ... Appearance and fashion often determine more which shoes are bought and worn than health aspects. Therefore, we would like to clarify with this article, which problems can arise from incorrect footwear.
Blisters, calluses, aching feetA problem, which probably everyone already felt at the own body: The mad new shoes prove as agony. After a short time they rub and press. Hardly anyone will therefore immediately part with the new acquisition. Sticking plasters or special blister plasters on or gritting your teeth: on it goes. As a result, very painful blisters, calluses, corns form. Instead of arming oneself for the future with any kind of pads, which, stuck into the shoes, only seem to solve the problem, the feet should be given the necessary room to maneuver. With barefoot shoes you will not get blisters or painful pressure points. Minimal shoes give the feet the freedom they need and reliably protect them from cold, heat and injuries. That's all a shoe needs to do!
Tired legs and varicose veins
Varicose veins and spider veins are considered a widespread disease. Almost 80 percent of all adults have signs. Even if these are often only slightly pronounced and do not cause any symptoms, possible triggers should be eliminated. In this way, you can prevent vein diseases that require treatment in the long term. Excess weight can also lead to varicose veins, as can hormonal influences, for example. A not insignificant factor that promotes varicose veins is wearing the wrong shoes. If the feet are constricted in the shoes, this has an effect on the blood circulation in the legs. In the long run, this leads to heavy, swollen legs and ultimately to varicose veins. Frequent barefoot walking and wearing barefoot shoes have a beneficial effect on vein health.
Tension and pain throughout the body
Even a slight unnatural foot position has an impact on the entire body. Unconsciously, it is constantly balancing and tense. Muscle tension can become very painful after a short time and is often mistaken by lay people for various medical conditions. This can lead to neck pain, migraine or noticeable fatigue. At the latest when the doctor can rule out other causes, you should pay more attention to your feet: if affected patients switch to barefoot shoes, the incorrectly loaded tendons, muscles and joints can recover. Over time, there is often an improvement in the sserung or the complaints even disappear completely.
Hallux problems
Pointed shoes, high heels: True to the motto "If you want to be beautiful, you have to suffer," women squeeze into anatomically absolutely impossible shoes. Deformed feet are cheaply accepted. According to the University Clinic in Tübingen, a large proportion of women suffer from hallux valgus. The big toe joint shows a more or less pronounced malposition. The ball of the toe and metatarsal bones are also affected in many cases.
Good to know: Hallux valgus can have various causes. On the one hand, the tendency to this deformity is often due to an inherited weakness of the connective tissue; on the other hand, rheumatic diseases or weakened foot muscles can also lead to hallux valgus. In many cases, shoes are the trigger. If you walk barefoot or wear minimal shoes as often as possible, you minimize the risk of developing hallux valgus.
Nail fungus and athlete's foot
Did you know that shoes that are too tight can be the cause of nail fungus and athlete's foot? Fungal spores are found on pretty much every person. However, they do not necessarily cause disease: Healthy skin and undamaged nails are the best defense. However, anyone who wears shoes that are too small or tight for a long period of time risks injury and thus infection. Nail fungus and athlete's foot are also promoted by frequent sweating of the feet. As a preventive measure, you should wear socks made of natural materials and choose shoes that leave enough space for the toes to move freely. Those who wear barefoot shoes are less likely to complain of nail or foot fungus.
Flat feet, flat feet, bent feet
These deformities can occur individually, but more often together. Here, too, one of the causes can be incorrect footwear. That is why women are particularly affected. High, tight shoes prevent the foot muscles from working naturally. Orthopedists usually prescribe insoles that have to be specially made and inserted into the shoes. This addresses symptoms, but not the cause. Foot gymnastics can help in mild cases, in severe cases surgery must be considered. If you consistently switch to barefoot shoes, you will get strong foot muscles over time and can consistently address foot problems. Of course, it is better to prevent and walk barefoot or in minimal shoes a lot at a young age.
Bottom line: barefoot shoes can prevent many foot problems, tension and associated pain. If you already have pronounced health problems, the doctor must of course be the first point of contact. If you want to change to minimal shoes, please do it slowly. Your body needs time. Of course, it is best to start walking barefoot as a child and to avoid malpositions from the beginning.