4 Reasons Not to Wear Flip-Flops Daily
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know many of our patients love their flip-flops. They are relatively inexpensive and very convenient because they are so easy to slip on and off your feet. Flip-flops do serve a purpose. Around the pool and at the beach or gym, they protect your feet from coming in contact with contagious fungal infections. They’re also preferred to bare feet if you’re walking out to get the mail or newspaper. However, making flip-flops, your primary footwear, can harm your feet (and other parts of your body). Long hours spent in flip-flops has several drawbacks. Below are four ways they can hurt your feet.
Heel pain—in traditional rubber flip-flops, there is no cushioning to help absorb the force as your heel hits the ground. They also have zero arch support. Wearing them all the time encourages your arch to flatten and collapse. It puts pressure on your plantar fascia and ultimately results in arch and heel pain. The misalignment that results from low or no arches may also lead to knee, hip, and back pain.
Blisters—sweating increases the friction between the shoe and skin that causes blisters. Flip-flop wearers are prone to blisters between the toes where the vinyl strap holds the shoes on. These blisters can be particularly difficult to treat and heal due to their location.
Shin splints—to keep flip-flops on your feet requires the muscles in the front of your legs to work harder. Overuse of these muscles can lead to the development of tiny tears that become inflamed, causing the painful condition of shin splints.
Ankle sprains and other injuries—with no side support, it’s easy to twist an ankle in flip-flops, particularly walking on uneven surfaces. Flip-flops can also be a tripping hazard and get stuck under the pedals in your car when driving.
If you’re already experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact our Hudson office at 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will evaluate your feet and diagnose the problem. He can also recommend footwear styles similar to flip-flops designed to support and protect your feet.