Are Flip-Flops Hurting Your Feet? Easy Ways to Ease Foot Pain
Flip-flop sandals are staples of a summer wardrobe. However, experts warn this popular footwear can cause permanent damage to the feet and legs. If foot pain is a problem, individuals may have to explore alternative footwear this season.
The mainstay of summer wardrobes, flip-flops are the ultimate comfortable, casual shoe. People wear them to the beach, shopping, strolling the boardwalk -- just about everywhere once the weather warms. But podiatrists and other experts say that flip-flops may be unhealthy for your feet and legs because of the way individuals must alter their gait when wearing the sandals.
Researchers at Auburn University in Alabama studied the mechanics of flip-flop usage and determined that wearing the footwear for long periods of time can lead to sore feet, ankles and legs. The pain can even radiate all the way up to the hips and back.
The trouble with flip-flops is that people tend to grip their toes to hold the sandal in place. As such, they take smaller steps and hit their heels on the ground with less vertical force than if they were wearing athletic shoes or other shoes with support. Also, individuals wearing flip-flops don't bring their toes up as much as the leg swings forward. This causes a larger angle to the ankle and a shorter stride length.
Apart from these mechanical study results, flip-flops pose other inherent dangers to the foot. Their wide-open design leaves the foot open to injury from items falling on the feet or abrasions from tripping over the sandal itself. Flip-flops generally are lacking in arch support, which can tire out the foot and lead to various sorts of pain. Individuals also often contend with poor traction from flip-flops, both on the bottom sole of the shoe and from the foot becoming slippery on the insole of the sandal. This can lead to falls and other injuries.
Experts say that while flip-flops are not the best shoe to wear, they don't need to be eliminated from a person's closet entirely. Wearing flip-flops in moderation -- namely to the beach or poolside -- and choosing other footwear when a lot of walking will be done is key. People can also choose flip-flops that offer more arch support or ones that feature alternative styles, such as additional ankle straps.
Relieving Summer Foot Pain
Summertime can be brutal on the feet, causing a number of ailments even for those not among the flip-flop wearing masses. Use these guidelines to help ease the ouch.
* Wear supportive shoes. If you prefer sandals, look for styles with adequate arch support, straps that keep the sandal in place and soles that will offer good traction.
* Stop walking barefoot. Many people skip shoes altogether during the warm weather. This can lead to cuts, stubbed toes and burns on the feet from hot asphalt or sand. If you must walk barefoot, do so as little as possible.
* Splurge for a pedicure. Pedicures not only keep the feet looking nice, the process removes dead skin, tames cuticles and massages tired feet.
* Keep blisters at bay. Not wearing socks often means putting feet in direct contact with shoes. Use moleskin or bandages to protect points of friction. Also, if the shoe just isn't comfortable, pass it up. Blisters can quickly become painful and hinder walking.