Why Flip Flops Are Bad For Your Feet

foot-surgeon-los-angelesDuring the summer months, it’s common for people to wear flip flops.

Despite their popularity, flip flops are not good footwear and long term effects of flip flops can cause serious issues.

Why are flip flops a problem for feet? Keep reading!

(Picture by Niki Shyfeet/Wikimedia)

Flip flops are a problem for feet because of the lack of support that can cause abnormal stretching in the arch and heel pain. There also the possibilities of tendonitis and arthritic pain in the middle of the foot.

Flip flops can cause toe gripping, which causes the toes to contract abnormally and may lead to the formation of a hammertoe and/or contribute to the formation of a bunion, or worsen an existing bunion. Extreme heel pain can happen because the heel is able to rise off the back of the shoe in a repetitive manner.

Flip flops also expose your feet to thousands of bacteria and fungal infections (athlete’s foot and toenail fungus). Bare toes can also be subjected to injuries, torn nail beds or toe fractures. The friction of toe straps can lead to blisters or wounds.

The thin layer of rubber in flip flops doesn’t provide much shock absorption. This lack of shock absorption and proper cushion for the feet can result in tissue pain and can even lead to bone pain. The lack of supportive from flip flops may also lead to much more serious problems.

Flip flops can cause you to walk different than your normal walking pattern (also called your “gait”) when you are wearing supportive shoes. Flip flops alter your bio-mechanics and posture. When your feet do not provide the proper support, your body joints are going to have to compensate. This can result in problems in your ankles, Achilles tendon, knees, hips and lower back.

At the end of the day, sandals are a better choice than flip flops because they offer more support and protection. The best sandals have soles that go beyond the toe box and provide a strap across the mid foot and back of the heel.

If you have foot pain that is persistent and won’t go away, do not let it go untreated or it could very well get worse. Get your foot looked at today so that tomorrow is pain-free.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak make an appointment with Dr. Alireza Khosroabadi about your foot and/or ankle needs.

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