Flip-flops are style a must-have for many during the summer season. They’re lightweight and easy to slip on, and they keep feet cool in the summer. There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from, and they are inexpensive.
While you may think that your flip-flops are easy on and off shoes that will give you style while you’re on the beach or at the pool, you could be setting yourself up for foot problems down the road.
Why are flip-flops bad for your feet?
According to the majority of Chiropractors and Podiatrists, wearing flip-flops can pose a threat to the health of your feet as well as the overall alignment of the body. They can provide you with an inferior level of protection and support against environmental damage, which can lead to injuries.
These types of flip-flops are typically thin and very vulnerable to your foot sustaining damage from objects such as rocks, glass, and thorns. They also tend to fit loosely, which can cause your feet to struggle to keep them in place, and if wet your feet can slide in and out of the show haphazardly causing falls and slips that may further injure you and put you at risk.
If you’re planning on wearing flip-flops all summer long, you might end up setting yourself up for overuse injuries. It has been noted in many medical journals that prolonged wear can affect your posture and gait, which can lead to stress on your ankle and other parts of the body.
Although some people may not notice the symptoms of a foot problem right away, wearing flip-flops can worsen a number of issues.
Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a bow-like ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes. When you wear flip-flops, your feet tend to flatten as your arch collapses, which causes the bowstring in your arch to stretch out. Over time, this can cause small tears in the ligament. If you continue to wear flip-flops for a long time, you may start to feel stabbing or heel pain.
Stress fractures
One of the most common reasons why people suffer from stress fractures is the lack of support for the bones in their feet, specifically the long bones known as the metatarsals. This issue occurs when repetitive stress or injury to the bones causes a stress fracture.
Toe problems
If you’re prone to holding your toes with both hands, wearing flip-flops can cause tendinitis in your toes, which can lead to tendon tears and pain. It can also cause hammertoes and bunions, which are joint bending issues that affect only one big toe. Bunions only appear when the bones in one’s foot become misaligned.
Other foot problems
In addition to these, flip-flops can also cause other foot problems such as capsulitis and Morton’s neuroma. Since their lack of protection against environmental damage can lead to infections and cuts, you’re more prone to experiencing these issues.
Are Flip-Flops ever OK to wear?
Although flip-flops have a reputation for being bad for one’s feet, there are times when they’re acceptable. For instance, you can wear them in public showers and water parks. They can also help minimize the risk of fungal exposure, which can cause tendinitis or athlete’s foot.
Although they’re not ideal for every person, wearing flip-flops can be considered a safe alternative if you’re looking for a short-term solution to protect your feet.
Not all Flip-Flops are created equal!
Despite knowing that flip-flops can cause various problems, most people still continue to wear them. To avoid developing a foot issue, the AMA has listed a few precautionary steps to take.
- Look for sturdy sandals made of soft leather to minimize irritation and blisters.
- Make sure they have enough straps to keep the flip-flops securely in place while you walk.
- Do the bend test: ensure it bends at the ball of the foot and not the arch.
- Replace them every three to four months, like a toothbrush.
- Purchase flip-flops and sandals that hold the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance.
- Don’t wear flip-flops for any length of time. Doing so can help avoid getting various health issues.
- Visit your chiropractor regularly and if you begin having foot pain that won’t go away, see your podiatrist.
If you are having foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain after wearing flip-flops come see us at www.kasterchiropractic.com and readjust your body back into proper alignment. We also offer custom-created Foot Leveler orthotics! 239-332-2555 Call our office to make your appointment right here in Fort Myers, Florida.