Reston/Herndon - (703) 437-6333
Manassas/Gainesville - (703) 368-7166

Give Your Feet a Break from Flip Flops

 

Flip Flop FeetAs the temperatures rise and the weather begins to heat up, many will stay cool by slipping on a pair of their favorite flip-flops.   Whether you are hitting the beach, or simply walking around town, flip-flops are often our selected footwear of choice for those hot, summer months.  Unfortunately, wearing flip-flops can lead to painful foot ailments including cuts and abrasions, broken toes, and painful sprains.  Flip-flops that are widely purchased today can be extremely unsafe for your feet. 

Some flip-flops can be cushioned, which lead people to believe that they are good for your feet, but most offer little to no arch support.  Flip-flops can also be very flimsy, which causes them to breakdown quickly.  Shoes that do not offer proper arch support can lead to biomechanical abnormalities starting when the heel strikes the ground.  This, in turn, can lead to pain felt in the joints of your foot and ankle, as well as in the knees, hips, lower back, shoulders and neck.  If you are to wear flip-flops, wear them with caution and in moderation.  It is important to assess how long you can wear flip-flops on an individual basis and to be aware of the effects they can have on your body.

Tension for Your Toes

Wearing flip-flops may feel like the next-best thing to going barefoot, but your feet are working a lot harder than you may realize.  By wearing flip-flops, you are forcing a change in your walking stride.  With each step you take, your toes pull down on the shoe to stabilize the foot against the ground because your foot has to work harder to keep the flip-flop on. Forcing your toes to act in this unnatural manner can cause toe pain and even stubbed toes.

ProblematicHeel Pain

It is estimated by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, that about 15 percent of all adult foot injuries involve plantar fasciitis, which is an awful pain that is caused by the tissue over stretching from your heel through the arch to the toes.  By wearing flip-flops, you are increasing your risk of developing heel pain.  While many people don’t want to give up flip-flips, it is important to understand that if you are going to the beach, then wear your flip-flops.  However, if you are going to the mall or even an amusement park don’t wear them. 

Wear the Right Shoes for Your Activity

When choosing footwear for summer, or vacation, it is important to follow these guidelines for healthy feet:

  • Shoes should be lightweight and ventilated.
  • Have an extra pair of shoes and alternate between them daily so that each pair has a chance to dry out completely.
  • Wear socks that are made of an acrylic fiber, not cotton, as acrylic draws moisture away from the feet.
  • Change your socks at least once a day.

Flip-flops should not be worn as everyday shoes—they are meant for the beach and the pool, not for everyday walking, as they do not give you any arch support, which makes your feet more prone to injuries.  Wearing flip-flops for an occasional stroll may be fine, but you should never overdo it.

If you feel pain in your foot or ankle, visit your podiatrist in Reston for further diagnosis and treatment.  You can prevent painful foot conditions and injuries by wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding flip-flips. 

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Locations

Reston Foot and Ankle Center
1760 Reston Pkwy, Suite 310
Reston, VA 20190
Phone (703) 437-6333
Fax: (703) 437-7837

Manassas Foot and Ankle Center
8577A Sudley Rd.
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone (703) 368-7166
Fax: (703) 368-5103

Office Hours

Reston Foot and Ankle Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Manassas Foot and Ankle Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm