Mumbai Mirror Features Dr. Pradeep Moonot: Keep Feet Healthy
Dr. Pradeep Moonot, an orthopaedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist was featured in Mumbai Mirror on 2 October 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti). In the article "Walk This Way," he explains how our feet work and how we can take better care of them.
What the article covers: Dr. Moonot starts with Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March in 1930, when Gandhi walked about 390 km in 24 days. He uses it to ask a simple question: what happens to our feet when we wear shoes for most of the day? He explains that each foot has 26 bones and 33 joints, and that its small muscles help support the arch with every step. Shoes are not bad for us. They protect our feet, and some people need extra support. Some research suggests that exercising the small foot muscles may make the feet stronger, but more study is needed.
Simple tips he shares: Check that your shoes fit well and that your toes have room to spread. Look at the wear on old shoes. Try easy exercises on a chair, such as toe lifts, the "short foot" movement and calf raises. If you want to go barefoot, do it slowly and start at home.
Who should be careful: People with diabetes, poor feeling in the feet, foot deformities, balance problems, osteoporosis, past stress fractures or a current foot or ankle injury should speak to a doctor before changing their footwear or routine.
Dr. Moonot's message is simple: you may not walk as far as Gandhi did, but your feet still need care. The right footwear, strength, movement and regular use help keep them healthy.
Read the full article here