4 Problems Associated With Wearing Flip-Flops
Spring has sprung and summer isn’t far behind. And with the warmer weather and beach season, for many, it means wearing flip-flops for extended periods of time. But unfortunately, many styles of flip-flops can cause ankle and foot problems due to the lack of stability and support. But just about everyone wears them at some point in the summer, so today, Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC are sharing some common problems and tips to prevent injuries when wearing them.
Bunions, Joint Pain And Inflammation: Flip-flops include strips of fabric, rubber, or leather that hold your foot in place. When this part of the flip-flop loosens, you could be over-extending your toes to try to keep them on. If this continues, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and bunions.
Blisters: Also because of the looseness of flip-flops, the feet are continually rubbing against them as they move, creating friction that can result in painful blisters.
Arch Pain: Your foot’s arch, also known as the plantar fascia, is a thick band of tissue that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. Lack of sufficient support can result in painful inflammation, which is called plantar fasciitis.
Bacteria: Studies have revealed that flip-flops tend to leave the feet exposed to a number of bacteria, particularly outside, including those from fecal matter and dangerous Staphylococcus aureus.
Here are some tips to prevent injuries when wearing flip-flops.
Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances, doing yard work or engaging in sports.
Be sure to check for proper fit by ensuring that your feet don’t hang off the edge.
Try to find flip-flops with built-in stability so they can’t bend or twist.
The material from which the flip-flops are constructed is important because in some instances, a high-quality soft leather will decrease the potential for irritation and blisters as compared to those made with rubber.
Look for flip-flops that have built-in arch support to pad your feet. The absence of support can lead to numerous knee, lower back, foot, and ankle problems.
Always break in new flip-flops or sandals for a few hours the first day you wear them, then slowly increase your wear time.
If you are planning to wear flip-flops this summer, please heed these tips from Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC to prevent injuries. If you notice any issues, contact the offices of Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC to schedule a checkup. You can call us at (301) 762-3338 to schedule an appointment or book it online.
