Flip Flop Facts and Fiascoes

There are a lot of misunderstandings surrounding flip flops and whether they are bad for your feet. While flip flop related injuries are fairly high, these much loved footwear items are not all bad. Typical injuries resulting from wearing flip flops include sprains, blisters, and even fractures. However, many injuries are caused by the quality of the flip flop, as opposed to the simple act of wearing flip flops.

Some flip flops tend to bend easily, which really isn’t good for the feet in a number of ways. People who tend to wear out their flip flops out are also more likely to suffer from injuries. Conversely, for people with certain foot conditions flip flops can actually help.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition which causes excessive sweating, which makes wearing regular shoes or boots uncomfortable. Sufferers can allow their feat to breathe in flip flops, which in turn prevents related skin conditions. If you have bunions, wearing flip flops is a good way to take some pressure of your feat.

Nerve conditions are often aggravated by wearing tighter footwear. During the summer months, your shoes tend to rub against your feet more as you sweat. Wearing flip flops gives provides your feet relief from nerve pain as rubbing is significantly reduced.

People who are unfortunate enough to have a predisposition towards toenail fungus and similar conditions know the pain of not being able to walk around in bare feet. Flip flops reduce the risk of picking up bacterial infections from floors in shared changing rooms or at the pool.

Typical Flip Flop Problems

While podiatrists do take issue with some flip flops, we actually endorse others. Flip flops which do not offer sufficient arch support are extremely bad for your feet. However, you can purchase flip flops which are designed to support your arches. Vionic is one example of a manufacturer who has designed flip flops and other open footwear which offers better arch support.

Flip flops which are open at the ankle can cause unwanted foot movement. If the ankle is not supported it can result in instability. Flip flops with anti-slip treads will help prevent your feet from moving about while you walk, reducing the chance of injury to your feet and ankles. A good sling-back sandal will offer the same support and stability.

Some people just love wearing flip flops all year round, everywhere they go. Flip flops are not typically built to last. If you have a poor pair of flip flops that you absolutely love, you may find it difficult to let them go. However, continuing to wear damaged flip flops will affect stability and increase the risk of a multitude of injuries. Once you start noticing imprints of your feet in your favourite flip flops, it is time to invest in a new pair and save your feet and ankles from unnecessary injuries.

If your flip flops are causing your pain or discomfort, you should bring them into a podiatrist for evaluation. Even when flip flops feel comfortable when you first purchase them, it is difficult for the average person to assess whether your footwear is offering your feet the support that they need. A podiatrist has the knowledge and experience to assess any type of footwear and identify problems which could lead to injury.

Contact your local podiatrist's office today for more information.

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