Flip-flops are fun to wear in warm weather and they are everywhere! Not everyone calls them flip-flops, however. They are also called “zories” on the East Coast, “slippers” in Hawaii and “clam diggers” in Texas. Outside the U.S., wearers enjoy them as “jandals”, “thongs” and “plakkies.” No matter what you call them, flip-flops are convenient and inexpensive. But are they the best footwear for foot health during warm weather activities?
Flip-Flops Have Little Support for Your Foot
The lack of support in flip-flops causes an abnormal stretch to a thick tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia. Inflammation in this area results in heel pain from plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that is worst when you first get out of bed in the morning.
Another problem when wearing flip-flops is how the toes must scrunch up to grip the sole. This action makes the muscles in your legs work harder and can lead to shin splints and muscle pain as well as toe deformities like hammertoes and claw toes.
Wearing flip-flops can even cause stress fractures because of little shock absorption from the thin sole, increasing mechanical stress on the bones of your foot.
Avoid Injury by Limiting Use of Flip-Flops
Flip-flops should never be worn when your foot needs protection or extra support; for example:
- Mowing the grass. Never wear flip-flops when doing yard work, especially when using a lawnmower. This practice can cause severe lacerations and even amputation.
- Hiking. Flip-flops simply don’t have the support you need when tackling tough terrain. Invest in a pair of hiking shoes or boots for best protection and stability.
- Bicycling. Flip-flops don’t offer any sideways stability, so it is far too easy for your foot to slide off the pedal. Wear athletic shoes for protection in the event of any contact with the road.
- Sports. Enjoying an impromptu pick-up basketball game? Don’t ruin your fun with a twisted ankle from playing in flimsy flip-flops. Stick to athletic shoes for your best game.
Even wearing flip-flops during everyday activities can result in toe fractures or torn toenail beds due to the lack of protection. Ankle sprains and even fractures can be the unhappy result from tripping while wearing flip-flops.If you have injured yourself in any way from wearing flip-flops, contact Cornerstone Foot & Ankle to schedule your appointment for a quick diagnosis and effective treatment.
Cornerstone Foot & Ankle is a full service foot and ankle specialty office with locations in Sewell, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mt. Holly, Woodbury, and Glassboro; serving the South Jersey region. We offer a full suite of services including surgery, fracture care, fungal nail care, diabetic foot care, pediatric podiatry, custom braces and orthotics, wound care, limb salvage, and treatments for arch pain, heel pain, and sports injuries; just to name a few. If it hurts below your knee, we can help you! CALL NOW or request your appointment online TODAY!