Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means spending time with family and friends. It also means spending a lot of time staying inside preparing, cooking and eating. It is important to be mindful about proper footwear at home especially during the holidays when we spend the most time walking around barefoot.
Recent studies find that it is not recommended to walk around barefoot at home when you have hardwood floors, laminate or ceramic floors. When we strike our heel, the pressures from the ground are absorbed by our heels by means of pronation. However, most people who are “heavy footed” lack proper shock absorption and with every heel strike those hard ground reactive forces are being transferred to the joints at an alarming force.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, people who walk with a “slap foot” have too much shock absorption and lack the ideal structure for proper pressure redistribution. If you are experiencing any heel pain, pain in the balls of the feet or your feet just feel tired – then you are definitely putting your feet at more risk by walking around barefoot. We often suggest wearing Birkenstocks as slippers for inside the house.
Birkenstocks have a cork footbed which is one of the best materials for shock absorption. The arch support also helps balance your foot and heel in the proper position for shock absorption. Also, straps around the ankle and the arch create a more stable platform for support. If you find Birkenstocks too hard or uncomfortable, a great alternative is Mephisto which have a softer footbed but equal support and shock absorption as Birkenstocks.
If you find you are susceptible to corns or calluses or you have been struggling with a painful corn or callus, then it is necessary to be wearing shoes inside the house. Calluses occur due to pressures not being absorbed properly while corns occur usually within a callus due to excessive pinpoint pressure.
Excessive swelling can occur in the ankles and feet if you are standing for long hours. Along with the swelling, the veins can be overworked and eventually become twisted and bulge out as varicose veins. Compression stockings help promote circulation and prevent varicose veins and swelling.
It is recommended to wear them while standing or sitting for long hours to make sure circulation is constantly flowing.
This year enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays with friends and family with pain free feet legs and feet.
