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I go barefoot to prevent complications

3K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  Cricket 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Actually I quit wearing shoes [unless I absolutely have to] about 6 years before my diagnosis of Type 1. It started because I just wanted to see I could learn to go without them after clicking on a link to an article on barefoot running. I am not a runner I just wanted to see if I could adapt and it was easy. My whole life thinking my feet were to fragile to do anything but carpets and beaches ... that was wrong, my feet were just weak from shoes and I forgot how to walk without them.

I really think that by keeping my feet strong by going barefoot it will hold off complications, stronger muscles thicker skin and because I can feel whatever I am walking on it exercises the nerves and will hold off that neuropathy and Peripheral vascular disease I read about so many times.

Why should I quit before I have those problems ?? Seems to me I should go barefoot wile I still can.

I am tired I am just going to paste some stuff.

" There’s less impact and joint torque than in a shoe, it reawakens muscles that have atrophied in our shoes, reawakens nerve endings and our balance system, stimulates reflexology points on the bottom of our feet, and even has anti-inflammatory benefits through grounding."


"In people who are not habitually barefoot, Athlete's foot is spread by fungal spores coming into contact with skin that has been weakened and made moist. The fungus is known to only affect around 0.75% of habitually barefoot people."

"it turns out that it’s better to actually step on a nail barefoot than while wearing shoes. Why? Because the shoe is a hotbed for bacteria (remember that Pseudomonas?) and the likelihood of a dangerous bacterial infection skyrockets from your shoe. Lastly, while shoes may offer some protection against acute injuries, they are responsible for most of our chronic foot injuries, like bunions, Hallux valgus, hammer toe, over-pronation, fallen arches, etc. etc."
 
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#4 ·
Alright 50 veiws and no "I went barefoot" and bad stuff happened stories.

I am going to watch my step careful today, I am superstitious that I posted this and a toe stub is coming. Thing is though it only takes a few before your automatic navigating skills begin working again.
 
#5 ·
I always went barefoot as a child and as much as possible as an adult. Until several years ago when I had foot problems and then a big-toe joint replacement. I'm not supposed to go barefoot anymore, but I do occasionally walk around barefoot on carpet - not on hard surfaces, though.
 
#8 ·
My feet have experienced a lot of punishment - crushed my big toe when I was 17 (weight Lifting gone wrong), had severe contusions of the heels when I was 18 - (rock climbing accident). Stepped on nails, had cat punctures and even a burn. Fortunately, I've never had a foot infection. Good thing although my feet are so darn sensitive - I can feel a sliver in my sock or a little pebble in my shoe kind if thing) I don't know if I could handle walking around barefoot all the time - winter would be out of the question ... But whatever works!
 
#9 · (Edited)
Footwear Brown Shoe Fisherman sandal Outdoor shoe

I wear sandals, and I do not trust myself to go barefoot, it is too easy to cut myself, or something. This picture is typical of what I wear: and I can ride a 10 speed across town wearing them, or go on a log walk. I have fallen in love with this shoe style.
https://www.sears.com/thom-mcan-men-s-holden-brown-sport-sandal/p-067VA86734912P

{Wouldn't you know it, Sears carries them, and I had given up on that store. I was going to Kmart anyway, to see if it was still in business, maybe they have these. This is me talking to myself.}:smile2:
 
#11 ·
You mentioned "Pseudomonas," that's the foot infection I got after thinking I can be barefoot indoors, but not outdoors.

Not worth the risk to me. To prevent Athlete's Foot (which was how my infection started), I wear sandals during summer. I only wear shoes (well fitting) when it's 70 or below outside.
 
#13 ·
Having high blood sugar lengthens healing time and would make one more susceptible to getting infections after the initial injury. That and having high blood sugars long enough to develop neuropathy and not feeling an injury to begin with is what makes diabetics even more susceptible to things happening from going barefoot.
 
#14 ·
Although this may have been effective for you, it is not something I can recommend for the members of this community. Many have diabetic neuropathy and may not notice/feel an injury to their foot. Others may not yet have their diabetes fully under control yet, which can make it more difficult to heal from injury or more prone to infection.

Do I spend way too much time barefoot? Absolutely. I am not a fan of shoes, but I do wear them outdoors and my diabetes IS under control. I can make that choice for myself, but I won't recommend it to others.

Just sayin'...
 
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