Flip-Flops May be Damaging your Feet!
By: Anna Maria Infante, Chiropodist
For a few years now flip flops have become a summer fashion footwear craze, and although you may find flip flops comfortable in reality you may actually be doing damage to your feet.
There are only a few companies that design a flip flop that the American Podiatric Medical Association has approved. They’ve been endorsed because they have a thicker sole, good arch support, and a deep heel cup that holds the foot and helps with shock absorption.
If you are planning to don flip flops this summer here is a list of do’s and don'ts:
Do’s:
- Do wear sturdy flip flops around swimming pools, public showers and at the beach to protect your feet from any infections
- Do gently bend the flip flop ensuring that it bends at the ball of the foot only and not in half.
Don'ts:
- Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If they show signs of severe wear, discard them.
- Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
- Don’t do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects feet when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
- Don’t play sports in flip-flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as well as breaks and sprains.
Research at Auburn University confirms that excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments of the feet are caused by the effort of the feet holding onto the flip flop when walking. This also causes the ankle to roll in and mal-alignment of the entire leg.
Wearing flip-flops occasionally is fine. They’re great at the beach or the lake. But the less-is-more trend in footwear — and the fun factor — have people wearing them all the time. Flip-flops may keep your feet nice and cool, but choosing sandals with a heel strap is the healthier choice. The heel strap allows your foot to stay in place, therefore, your feet and toes don’t need to clench and grab to keep them on, causing unnecessary strain.
If you are experiencing any of the foot problems listed above or if you feel as though you would benefit from a visit to a Chiropodist contact the Medcan bookings team at 416-350-5900 or email the bookings team at bookings@medcan.com.