Are Flip-Flops a Bad Choice?
In the hotter months, you’ll often see people walking around in flip flops, especially here in California! While they can be stylish, allow you to show off a great pedicure and keep your feet cool, they can quickly bring about some unwanted issues as well. Wearing flip-flops regularly can cause or worsen a number of foot problems.
What are some common issues that come with flip-flops?
Wearing flip-flops one time obviously won’t bring about major foot issues. We even recommend wearing them if you’re at the beach, poolside, or especially if you’re in a public shower area. That said, prolonged wearing can cause some of the following issues:
Heel Pain
There is no cushion between your heel and the ground with flip-flops. If you’re walking around all day without any cushion or shock absorption, your heel can take a serious beating.
Plantar Fasciitis
When you wear flip-flops, your toes tend to over-grip because the thin straps can’t securely hold your shoes in place. This over-gripping, coupled with the lack of arch support, can lead to inflammation in the ligament that runs the length of the bottom of your foot - the plantar fascia. This inflammation is known as plantar fasciitis and can be very painful.
Ankle Sprains
Shoes with no support increase your chances of tripping or falling. Your feet are focused trying to keep the flip-flop on, which could change your gait and also make it easier to trip. A slip or trip can easily lead to a sprained ankle.
Exacerbating other foot issues
Flip-flops tend to make other foot issues worse as well. Bunions, hammertoes, and tendonitis are all painful conditions that are made worse by flip-flops. Since your feet aren’t covered or protected, you’re also at risk for sunburn, stubbed toes, cuts, and more. This can be increasingly dangerous for our patients with diabetes since a cut could quickly lead to an infection.
Should I switch?
As mentioned, flip-flops are great for the beach or lounging by the pool. Moderation is key. When you’re spending a lot of time walking around though, your feet will need adequate support, cushion, and protection. Look for shoes that offer all of those things, and as always, chat with your podiatrist if you have any questions about the best shoes for your specific feet and lifestyle.
Need help addressing your foot or ankle pain? Get in touch with our podiatrists at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers! With advanced technologies and expertise, our foot doctors, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher are here to manage and enhance your foot health! Contact any of our locations in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro to schedule an appointment today!