Concerns are that this type of footwear often offers limited support and coverage for the feet, resulting in a modification of gait, which can cause foot, ankle, leg, hip and back pain.
Examples:
Arch pain, plantar fasciitis and nerve issues: A flat and flimsy shoe bed does not provide the foot with adequate support for all-day wear.
Those who overpronate (feet roll in excessively) can be especially susceptible to problems when wearing shoes that don’t provide sufficient stability.
Kinetic stress: People modify their normal walking pattern when wearing flip-flops, gripping with their toes in order to keep the shoes in place. This can lead to needless strain and overworking of different muscles and increased risk of injury.
Sun damage: Sandal wearers must remember to apply sunscreen to the feet. Mount Sinai Podiatrist, Dr. Bryan Markinson has seen a sharp rise in foot melanoma in his practice.
Few people understand or think of the foot as a place where skin cancer can arise, but foot melanoma can be deadly.
Lower extremity pain: Lack of shock absorption can cause pain to feet, legs, hips and back.
Toes and nails: Broken toes and toenails are frequent problems when wearing flip-flops.
Andrew Weil, M.D., and Phil Vasyli, podiatrist and founder of Orthaheel, say that many people claim that comfort is a top priority, yet that’s often the last thing they are getting with the flattest flip-flops and rubber straps.
The solution is to look for shoes that hold The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
The APMA offers these tips when selecting flip-flops:
• Ensure that your foot doesn’t hang off of the edge of the shoe.
• Wearing a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in hotel rooms and in locker room areas is appropriate and a safer way to go.
• Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year.
• Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances.
• Don’t do yard work while wearing sandals/flip-flops.
• Don’t exercise or play sports in unsupportive footwear.
Marjie Gilliam is an International Sports Sciences master-certified personal trainer and fitness consultant. She owns Custom Fitness Personal Training Services, LLC. Write to her in care of the Dayton Daily News, call her at (937) 878-9018 or send email to marjie@ohtrainer.com. Her website is at www.ohtrainer.com.
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