While specialty shoes can often help runners and athletes to perform better, there is an alternative that many people don’t realize exists: barefoot training. Barefoot training is essentially training without shoes or orthopedic support, and it can be beneficial to the feet in a physical therapy setting. It can also benefit the entire body, as well. Below are just a few of the many benefits of barefoot training:
Stabilization and Strength
As mentioned, shoes are great at helping athletes and runners, but the support that shoes provide can be a detriment after an injury. Because shoes provide support, injured muscles and ligaments often don’t have the chance to heal properly because they are not forced to get back to their natural states – the shoes are acting as the support. Think of it this way: if you lived your whole life with someone holding your hand to help you walk but then were suddenly told to walk on your own, you wouldn’t know how. The same is true with barefoot training versus shoe support. By getting your feet, toes, and ankles back into a natural movement without that support, you gain greater stabilization and balance as the injury heals.
Flexibility
In addition, greater flexibility of the foot and ankle is often the result of barefoot training. Many times, shoes are actually constrictive and they end up limiting movement in the foot and ankle.
Training without the shoes, the feet and ankles have a chance to move in a natural way. Over time, this type of training promotes greater flexibility and range of motion.
Greater Overall Orthopedic and General Health
Because of the above-mentioned benefits, posture is often improved overall. And without the restriction of shoes, the entire body’s movements are corrected to their natural state. As a result, people who participate in barefoot training are typically less likely to get injured while running or playing sports. In addition, barefoot training helps to fight off the potential for foot or toenail fungus that may be accompanied with training in shoes.
Learn More About the Benefits of Barefoot Training
At the Casteel Foot & Ankle Center, located in Rowlett, TX, patients are able to take advantage of all of the benefits of barefoot training. The experienced physicians at the Casteel Foot & Ankle Center work closely with each patient to develop a customized plan of action, and then they monitor success along the way to ensure that the patient is receiving the maximum benefit.
In addition to barefoot training, the Casteel Foot & Ankle Center also provides help for foot pain, toe pain, and heel pain, and you can also schedule an appointment with our foot surgeon for more corrective solutions.
To schedule your appointment for barefoot training, contact the Casteel Foot & Ankle Center at 972-412-4449.