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Our Harrisburg Podiatrist Explains Why You Shouldn’t Go Barefoot This Spring

March 24, 2020

With spring fast approaching, you might be eager to ditch your winter boots and feel the grass in-between your toes. But hold on before pulling your socks off: Going barefoot has many negative consequences, like fungus infections, plantar warts, and puncture wounds, just to name a few! In today’s post, our Harrisburg podiatrist shares a few reasons why you should keep your shoes on, rain or shine.


It Affects Your Pronation

One of the biggest problems with going barefoot is less scary than stepping on a nail or a worm, but much more likely: it affects our gait. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces causes your foot to collapse, which places a tremendous amount of stress on the foot and the rest of your body as well. When we walk in shoes, our feet come in complete contact with the ground, and can usually support our body weight without any problem. But without shoes, the way we pronate (move our feet inward to absorb shock and distribute weight) changes. This in turn can affect our stride, causing us pain in our knees, legs and back. It can also increase the progression of foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.


It Can Lead to Infections

Parasitic worms, bacteria, and fungi are just a few of the icky things our feet can be exposed to when we go barefoot. You might contract athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that produces itchy, dry, scaling skin or even inflammation, cracks and blisters; toenail fungus, a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus permeates deep into the nails, causing discoloration and odor; or plantar warts, a thickened, elevated growth of skin caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Then there’s ringworm, tapeworm, and pinworms—we’ll leave all these to your imagination.


You Risk Puncture Wounds (and Tetanus)

We mentioned puncture wounds above, and indeed, puncture wounds are a significant risk of going barefoot—much more than people often assume. When you step on glass, nails, needles, or even a sharp seashell, the wound may harbor foreign matter and/or bacteria under the skin. This can develop into a serious infection, which, if left untreated, can spread into the surrounding tissue and even your bones. With the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, even generally healthy people can contract potentially life-threatening staph infections, so it’s best to avoid going barefoot—and treat the injury seriously if you do step on something.



When to Avoid Going Barefoot


As Harrisburg podiatrists, we would prefer that you always avoid going barefoot. Realistically, though, we know that at some point you’re going to want to ditch your shoes and feel the sand between your toes—and that’s okay. Just be sure to wash your feet in hot, soapy water after you get back from the beach, pool, or garden. And, whatever you do, never go barefoot in a public shower or locker room. There’s a reason why Athlete’s foot got its name—most cases start in gyms!


Ryan Foot and Ankle is a Harrisburg podiatrist serving Ballantyne, Concord, Charlotte University, South Park, and nearby areas. To schedule an appointment with our foot doctor or foot surgeon, click here.

February 27, 2025
As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, spring invites us to enjoy more outdoor activities. Whether you're gearing up for jogging, gardening, or playing sports, having your feet in top condition is essential. Here’s how to ensure your feet are ready to take on all your spring adventures! 1. Start with a Solid Foundation: Wear the Right Shoes Finding the right footwear is crucial. Look for shoes that support your foot type and the activity you're engaging in. Well-fitted, activity-appropriate shoes can prevent blisters, calluses, and other foot injuries. 2. Stretching: The Key to Flexibility Before you leap into action, remember to stretch. Gentle stretching not only improves your overall flexibility but also helps prevent foot injuries. Focus on stretches that target the Achilles tendon, calves, and toes. 3. Gradual Progression If you've been less active during the winter, ease into your spring activities. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to avoid overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or stress fractures. 4. Hydrate and Nourish Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are essential for foot health. Proper hydration prevents cramps, while a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health. 5. Regular Foot Checks Examine your feet regularly for any signs of injury, such as cuts, blisters, or unusual swelling. Early detection of foot problems can prevent further complications. 6. Professional Foot Care Visit a podiatrist annually for a professional check-up. This is especially important if you have ongoing foot issues, diabetes, or other health conditions that affect your feet. 7. Keep Them Clean and Dry Maintaining clean and dry feet reduces the risk of fungal infections. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. 8. Moisturize Spring can bring dry conditions that may lead to cracked heels or dry skin. Use a good foot moisturizer daily to keep your skin supple and prevent cracking. 9. Listen to Your Feet Pay attention to what your feet are telling you. Pain, discomfort, or tiredness should not be ignored. These could be signs that you need to adjust your footwear or take a break from certain activities. 10. Enjoy Responsibly Most importantly, enjoy your activities responsibly. Spring is a wonderful time to explore and have fun, but keeping your feet healthy ensures that you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities without pain or discomfort.
January 30, 2025
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, it's the perfect opportunity to focus on your foot and ankle health. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a casual walker, or someone looking to boost their physical activity this year, our team of expert podiatrists is ready to support you every step of the way. Our practice offers a wide array of services to help you keep your feet and ankles in excellent shape. Here's what you can expect when you visit us: Achilles Tendon Care: Expert treatment for tendon injuries to keep you moving smoothly. Arthritis Treatment: Innovative strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. Bunion Care: From pain relief solutions to corrective procedures, we've got you covered. Comprehensive Foot Examinations: Early detection and preventive care to keep you one step ahead. Custom Orthotics: Designed to fit your unique foot structure and meet your specific needs. Diabetic Foot Care: Specialized management to prevent and address complications associated with diabetes. Hammertoe Treatment: Options to correct hammertoe deformities and restore comfort. Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis Care: Targeted treatments to eliminate pain and enhance foot function. Ingrown Nail Care: Quick and effective relief to prevent pain and infection. Routine Podiatric Care: Maintain your foot health and comfort with regular check-ups. Sports-Related Injury Care: Comprehensive care to help athletes recover and return to their sports. Surgical Treatments: We offer both minimally invasive and advanced surgical options, depending on your needs. As a proud member of the US Foot and Ankle Specialists (USFAS) network, we serve patients at over 200 locations nationwide and accept most major insurances. This means you're never far away from receiving the best podiatric care available. Don’t let foot pain or discomfort slow you down this year. Make an appointment with us and take the first step towards a more active and healthy lifestyle. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule your visit. Here’s to stepping into a healthy and active new year with confidence!
October 31, 2024
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