As the weather begins to transition into a warmer atmosphere, many individuals will want to slip into more comfortable flip-flops; however, Cosmopolitan has come up with a few reasons why you should avoid the shoe type this season. Flip-Flops expose the feet to bacteria and other infections that can cause irritation to the skin as well as exposing the feet to athlete’s foot and HPV the cause of plantar warts. Studies have also shown that flip flops cause you to slow down and make you clumsier because of the shorter stride you would have to take while wearing the shoe. The thin strap that keeps the shoe on the foot is also a major cause of blisters and the thin foam in between the foot and the ground often cause heel pain, poor posture, shooting pains, and other foot problems.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of damage to the feet and rest of the body. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops are not only very popular, but very convenient, especially in the warmer weather. They allow your feet to breathe and let you move your toes freely. They also go with most attire and can be worn with many different clothing styles. Unfortunately, these type of shoes also have a disadvantage, as they can cause harm to your feet in more ways than you think. These symptoms include:
- Ball and arch problems in the foot
- Changes to the body’s natural gait
- Blisters
- Ankle Sprains
- Higher risk of infection
- Higher risk of scrapes and cuts to the feet
- Issues in the lower back, legs and ankles
To avoid these symptoms (and minimize your risks), select a pair of flip-flops made of high quality materials that can offer protection. Purchase flip-flops from a reliable manufacturer and be sure to replace them every three to four months. Be sure the soles are firm and not ‘floppy’, or that they don’t bend or wiggle a lot when lifted from the floor.
You can still wear your favorite pair of flip-flops if you so choose, just don’t wear them for extended periods of time, and especially not every day. However, it would be far wiser to purchase a more expensive pair of flip-flops or to refrain from wearing the shoe at all for the sake of your foot health. While these shoes are comfortable, the risks included with wearing them are not.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
