MADRID, (EUROPA PRESS) – The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation service of the Torrejón University Hospital warned this Friday of the harmful effects of walking on the sand for the feet, especially for those people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the fibrous tissue of the foot, which goes from the heel to the toes and causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot.
The heat, the summer and the holidays can be triggers that make us subject our feet to new challenges, such as inappropriate footwear, excessive physical activity or walks on uneven terrain, such as the sand on the beach, the hospital recalled in a statement.
The main causes of plantar fasciitis may be due to intense or repetitive physical activity that puts additional stress on the fascia. It can also be caused by biomechanical problems of the foot that can generate inflammation or irritation that causes discomfort and significant limitations for those who suffer from it.
“Although the sand can provide a certain degree of cushioning, it can also cause the foot to sink and move, causing greater plantar flexion, tensing the fascia and aggravating the symptoms,” explained Enrique Gonzalvo, Physiotherapy supervisor at Torrejón University Hospital.
Thus, walking on the sand can put different types of pressure and stress on the foot, which can cause alterations and worsening in people with plantar fasciitis, but can also lead to problems in healthy feet. In addition, being an unstable and uneven surface, it offers more resistance, forcing the muscles and tissues of the foot to work more intensely, which can increase tension in the fascia and cause more pain.
People with plantar fasciitis require foot support and stability to reduce stress on the plantar fascia and to help reduce inflammation.
Recovering from plantar fasciitis involves reducing tension in the affected area to reduce stress on the fascia, so walking on loose sand is a counterproductive activity,” the expert concluded.
In this sense, he indicated that the flip-flops that are usually worn in summer are another factor that can hinder recovery from plantar fasciitis “or can even increase the risk of suffering one, since they lack the necessary support and cushioning,” he explained.
To protect the feet, the Physiotherapy Supervisor of the Torrejón University Hospital recommends not overusing the use of flip flops, avoiding long walks with them and wearing shoes with good cushioning and arch support, as well as a stable and secure closure.
