The warm summer weather is often accompanied by the emergence of flip-flops.
Flip-flops may be convenient,
freeing, and sometimes even stylish looking,
but with extensive use, they can harm feet and ankles.
Flip-flops with thin, totally flat rubber soles, flimsy straps, and 'cheap' plastic toe posts are particularly harmful.
Flip-flops offer minimal support for arches, which can lead to arch soreness and plantar fasciitis (which is painful inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot).
Flip-flops lack shock absorption and heel cushioning, which puts the feet under constant strain.
The lack of stability makes ankles more susceptible to sprains.
Feet are also vulnerable to cuts and scrapes, stubbed toes, broken toes, torn nail beds, and blisters.
Puncture wounds are an increased threat and can be misleading. Damage sometimes appears minimal, but wounds can run deep and trigger infection without appropriate treatment.
Toes have to persistently grip the flip-flops to keep them on one’s feet, which can result in tendonitis.
A person’s walking pattern typically changes which can potentially send a ripple effect of discomfort to their ankles, knees, hips, and back.
Additionally, bunions and hammertoes may be exacerbated.
Flip-flops should only be worn for short periods of time, such as crossing hot surfaces or walking through a locker room to lessen contact with fungi (e.g., athlete’s foot), can be advantageous, but never wear them for extended periods of time.
If you insist on wearing flip-flops, we can offer recommendations. Some flip-flops are less harmful than others.
Flip-flops may be convenient,
freeing, and sometimes even stylish looking,
but with extensive use, they can harm feet and ankles.
Flip-flops with thin, totally flat rubber soles, flimsy straps, and 'cheap' plastic toe posts are particularly harmful.
Flip-flops offer minimal support for arches, which can lead to arch soreness and plantar fasciitis (which is painful inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot).
Flip-flops lack shock absorption and heel cushioning, which puts the feet under constant strain.
The lack of stability makes ankles more susceptible to sprains.
Feet are also vulnerable to cuts and scrapes, stubbed toes, broken toes, torn nail beds, and blisters.
Puncture wounds are an increased threat and can be misleading. Damage sometimes appears minimal, but wounds can run deep and trigger infection without appropriate treatment.
Toes have to persistently grip the flip-flops to keep them on one’s feet, which can result in tendonitis.
A person’s walking pattern typically changes which can potentially send a ripple effect of discomfort to their ankles, knees, hips, and back.
Additionally, bunions and hammertoes may be exacerbated.
Flip-flops should only be worn for short periods of time, such as crossing hot surfaces or walking through a locker room to lessen contact with fungi (e.g., athlete’s foot), can be advantageous, but never wear them for extended periods of time.
If you insist on wearing flip-flops, we can offer recommendations. Some flip-flops are less harmful than others.
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