How Flip Flops or Sandals Can Affect the Feet (2024)
As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to put on sandals and flip-flops. However, experts point out that both of these types of footwear can be harmful to the health of your feet. In most cases, neither provides the amount of shock absorption to ward off stress fractures or plantar fasciitis, which is the most common cause of heel pain. In addition, wearing such non-supportive footwear for long periods can lead to other foot issues, including bunions and hammertoe. Further wearing sandals and flip-flops can permanently affect the way you walk, which in turn can cause problems with the knees, hips, and back. Cracked heels are another negative side effect of wearing sandals and flip-flops. The real danger of cracked heels is the possibility of developing fissures, which are deep crevices in the skin that invite fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. If you need more information on the dangers of summertime footwear, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Itasca Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.
When Are They Okay to Wear?
Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.
Why Are They Bad for My Feet?
These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.
More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet
They Slow You Down
May Cause Blisters and Calluses
Expose Your Feet to Bacteria
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Itasca, IL or Hoffman Estate, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Because the sole of flip-flops is thin rubber or another material, your foot is as flat as possible — which, for most people, is not ideal. You can suffer from arch and heel soreness, as well as foot pains and excessive pressure. The footwear also doesn't provide any protection for your feet and has no heel cushioning.
Potential for Injury – When you wear open-toed shoes you're leaving your feet vulnerable to injury. Sandals are especially notorious for failing to protect feet from cuts, scrapes, stubbed toes, broken toenails, and even puncture wounds.
“Sandals often do not provide sufficient support, shock absorption or protection to be used as everyday shoes,” says Dr. Levine. “This can lead to maladies such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, stress injuries, blisters and ankle sprains. People with diabetes are particularly at risk.
For individuals with foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet, slides with a contoured footbed can help reduce pain and support proper foot alignment. Flip flops typically offer minimal support, exacerbating foot and arch pain over time.
Although it takes time for your gait to change, continued wear of flip flops and non-supportive shoes can ultimately lead to serious complications, especially in your ankles, heels, and the soles of your feet. Constantly moving without good footwear increases your risk for painful conditions like: Heel spurs.
Several adverse effects of wearing flip-flops include blisters, foot fungus, balance issues, strained or overextended tendons, shooting pains, plantar fasciitis, foot swelling and more. At best, moderation will help you avoid these discomforts. Wear flip-flops only when you find it most necessary.
These flat sandals offer minimal to no arch support, which can lead to problems such as arch pain and plantar fasciitis. Additionally, the constant gripping motion required to keep flip-flops on can strain the tendons in your feet and result in discomfort.
Although the podiatric medical association doesn't discourage the wearing of these tiny treads, it warns that people with circulation issues or diabetes, who generally have poor feeling in their feet, should avoid flip-flops.
Lack of Support – While they may be comfortable, Crocs are far from the most supportive type of shoe. They provide very little support to your ankle and your arches, which can lead to soft tissue injuries. If your foot isn't supported in the midfoot area, you'll be at an increased risk for heel pain.
Slide sandals are also significantly better for the short and long-term health of your feet, providing a stable base that gives a comfortable wearing experience. While flip flops are casual enough to be comfortable, they are severely limited in the amount you can walk in them before incurring foot pain.
Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity Sandals provide excellent arch support and cushioning for all-day comfort. The memory foam contours to your feet, while the shock-absorbing midsole protects against impact.
The flip-flop style sandal offers no support, and only two simple straps hold the foot in place. Wearing flip-flops during extended periods of walking can cause serious foot, hip, knee, and back injuries. “When we use flip-flops as everyday footwear, the result is overworked tendons and an overstressed arch,” says Dr.
Flip-flops are too delicate for heavy use, and they can't offer the support your feet need for daily life. While occasionally wearing flip-flops may not pose a major health risk, it's important to wear them in moderation.
Plus, going shoeless for an extended amount of time can alter the biomechanics of your feet for the worse, Cunha says. Over the long run, this could accelerate the formation of bunions and hammertoes, or lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis.
As a general rule, sandals don't have the heel and toe support offered by shoes, meaning there's a greater chance of injury when wearing them. You should also decide if wearing sandals is a practical option depending on what it is you plan to do with your day.
A sport sandal that offers sculpted heel cups and a substantial midfoot provides better stability and shock absorption than flip-flops or clogs. Any pair with adjustable heel straps will also help align the ankle. “For hiking or outdoor activities, choose a pair that offers good arch support,” advises Dr.
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
But wearing a roomy, well-made pair of sandals can keep you feeling cool and fresh all season long. When shopping for walking sandals, look for high-quality cushioning and support to prevent fatigue and soreness. A secure fit is also key, so your feet don't slide out over the footbed with every step.
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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