Foot wears such as canvas, sandals, slippers, boots, et cetera are worn to protect the human feet when the ground is too cold or too hot for the feet to withstand. Also, they are worn to protect the feet against injury as well as infections.

On the other hand, some individuals opt to walk barefoot at certain places especially the home, beach side, pool side, etc. for diverse reasons.

Some individuals walk bare-foot for the pleasure of it whilst others do so due to some pre-informed health benefits of the practice.

According to research, the act of walking barefoot on any natural surface such as soil, grass or sand is termed as “Earthing” or grounding”.

The health benefits of this practice is said to be derived from the relationship between the human body and the electrons in the earth.

Researchers have found that walking barefoot can reduce risk of heart disease, improve sleep and strengthen the immune system. The practice is also said to reduce pain and inflammation, among others.

Doctor Quaye of the Faith Evangelical Mission Hospital has expressed that, “walking bare-foot can have health complications to diabetic patients”.

She added that, generally, every individual needs to be mindful of where he or she chooses to walk barefoot. For instance, walking barefoot at hospitals, public toilets, among others can lead to infections.

Dr. Quaye said that, “diabetic patients suffer from a condition known as “neuropathy”. Neuropathy is a condition where the sensory system is impacted by injury or disease. This makes the nerves within the sensory system unable to transmit sensation to the brain.

Due to this, when diabetic patients walk barefoot, they will be unable to feel any pain when cut by any sharp objects such as blade, pin, nail, et cetera.

“Diabetic patients must regularly check their feet of any cut and visit the nearest hospital for treatment when any cut is observed”, Dr. Quaye said.