The Greater Princeton Area Ask the Doctor Spring Issue March/April 2018

Barefoot is Better Have you ever had to wait in the car for your child to come out because they were taking too long to tie their shoes? After reading this article leaving the house my just get a little easier. Studies have proven that walking barefoot is a better option than wearing your shoes. Barefoot walkers seem to have healthier feet than non-barefoot walkers. The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and 19 muscles and each are used when walking even a single step. Most functions you do involve walking, so having a good form is very important. Shoes corrupt this form. They effect which muscles you use and the way in which you use them. Having good form is crucial because good form results in good posture. Without good form in your feet you can cause your posture to disfigure. When walking barefoot your foot creates a fatty protection layer that will assist you in many ways. This layer will give you the ability to walk on any surface naturally. Being able to express these muscles freely will result in a naturally good result. It is very important to make sure your kids walk barefoot as much as possible as their feet are still growing. You must train your feet to walk on natural surfaces to achieve positive results. Sneakers are commonly worn by children and teens. These specific shoes lack flexibility, or room within the shoe, causing the foots muscles to stiffen and create a harden feel to your gait. As well as limited free space, sneakers consist of laces. When tied too tightly laces cut off the blood circulation in the foot. Heels are another enemy to the foot. Heels are harmful for all the joints in the feet, especially the ankle. Although, shoes are sometimes inevitable there are plenty of things you can do to help. Eating healthy can improve the foots growth just as it would any other part of the body. Vegetables, fruits and protein are all essentials in a healthy diet. You can also purchase shoes with little cushioning for more space. Finally, it is necessary that you try and set a good example for the people around you. Whether it is your children or your friends no one wants to be the odd one out, so having someone to go barefoot with will create a universal belief; Barefoot is better.

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