But then, there are consequences. Flip-flops are fashionable and budget-friendly but should be used in moderation and caution. On many occasions, they are the footwear of choice because the right pair of flip flops has several benefits and specifically gives your feet the comfort they need. When you have a foot blister, sweaty feet, or swelling, you need footwear that allows the feet to breathe and get proper air circulation. Flip-flops are good when worn occasionally, but they are appropriate as an alternative to walking barefoot and acts as a protective buffer between the ground and the feet. Choose flip-flops that fit properly, and use them on flat, hard surfaces. If possible, choose a pair that has a thick, durable sole and a thick strap, and good arch support.
When wearing flip-flops, consider the health of the feet. If you are diabetic, you might be at risk of falling or experiencing foot pain and other foot and ankle conditions. Wear the approved supportive footwear instead. If you have neck and back pain, flip-flops irritate the condition.
Risks of flip-flops
When they are worn for long periods or during the wrong activities, they can be a risk.
Flip-flops are of a spongy thin material that is easy to penetrate. Sharp objects such as tacks, nails, and broken glass can puncture the footwear and cause an injury.
Foot injury can happen because the footwear offers very little protection on the front or top portion of the foot. The risk of blunt force injury such as stubbing on the toe, being stepped on, a hot liquid pouring on them, or an injury from a falling object, is increased.
Since flip-flops are flat, they put stress on the arch of the foot, causing foot arch pain. It will easily cause plantar fasciitis that is a stabbing pain in the arch of the foot. It can also cause other foot problems, such as heel spurs.
The toes can cause the exacerbate conditions such as corns, pain in balls of the feet, bunions, and hammertoes. Flip-flops can be unstable and the toes naturally grip to maintain contact with the footwear. It can cause toe deformities over time and they may not straighten out.
Tendonitis is caused by foot overuse. Due to the strain caused by the footwear the foot and ankle may experience swelling and stiffness.
Flip-flops do not offer any support and missing a step or misstep may cause the foot to over-rotate. This may cause an ankle sprain, fall, or any other type of ankle injury.
They expose your feet to viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. As much as the flip-flops offer some level of protection to the feet compared to walking barefoot they still might not be the best choice especially if you have open wounds or cuts on your feet, ankle, and legs. It will also depend on how your body reacts to infections and how healthy you are. You are more likely to experience a severe infection if you are sick. In a pair of flip-flops, your feet are exposed to athlete’s foot, Staphylococcus, and HPV.
The thin strap holding the shoe rubs against your skin and can cause bruising at the top of your feet. This irritation causes blistering and tenderness and you are more vulnerable to other infections then.
Statics have shown that flip-flops cause you to slow down because you will take smaller strides compared to when wearing another pair of shoes. The increase the pressure on the plantar fascial tissue and your feet are at risk of developing plantar fasciitis and other abnormalities. Foot issues can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing pain with your foot, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
But then, there are consequences.