The warmer temperatures of summer will have many people converting to less covering on their feet. Especially, if a full shoe causes pain because of bunions, corns, hammer toes, heel spurs, or ingrown nails. But, before you head for the flip-flops and sandals, please read this.
While flip-flops come in handy when you need something for the pool deck, using a public shower, or making a short jaunt across a hot or rough surface, they are not a good footwear choice for extended wear. Injuries and falls are common occurrences with flip-flops.
At Agile 4 Life Fitness, our two main concerns are the high risk of falling and the foot and ankle misalignments, which can lead to soft tissue damage and pain while wearing flip-flops. Extended wear, because of its lack of arch support, causes problems like plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the ligament that stretches from the heel to the ball of the foot. The lack of support and the alteration of your toes to clench the flip-flop also change how you walk. The extra pressure you apply to grip the flip-flop puts more tension on the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips, and lower back, which can lead to pain.
Then, there’s the fact that there is no heel support. That means your foot can slide off the sole and cause you to fall or twist an ankle, knee, or wrench a hip. In other words, wearing a pair of flip-flops can negate all the hard work you’ve put into correcting your alignment to help eliminate the pain and stiffness that was causing you discomfort.
So what’s a better option for your feet to feel free? A well-made sandal is a better choice. Go for one that offers you good arch support, a sole that can absorb the stresses of walking, one that will cradle the foot and not allow the heel to move or slide off the sole, and where your toes do not have to grip. And, if you have an old pair of sandals, please check to make sure the heel is not worn too much on the inside or to the outside. A worn heel can cause you to over pronate (roll inward) or supinate (roll outward) with your feet and ankles. For a happy summer and a safe summer, good footwear is the way to go.
