Flip-flops are a popular and practical footwear choice for everyday wear. They are comfortable and suitable for activities like strolling around town or beach vacations. However, it's important to note that flip-flops can cause issues for your feet despite their cozy nature.
The dangers of frequently wearing flip-flops
Flip-flops are a sensible option when you want to go to the market, pick up deliveries, mow your yard, or unwind at the beach. To prevent infection on your feet, it's also advised that you rinse off in public restrooms after working out or swimming.
Experts advise against wearing flip-flops when driving, exercising, or going on long walks, even though they are useful. Healthline lists the following possible risks of wearing flip-flops for extended periods:
1. Blisters
The skin of your toes brushes against the flip-flops' hooks when you wear them. If damp and sweaty, your foot's thumb and index finger areas may develop blisters that are challenging to heal.
Your toes naturally rub together as you walk, so the bandage will easily open if wounded. As a result, the blisters will be more challenging to treat. To address this, avoid using flip-flops for the time being.
Read more: Ankle Hurts While Walking, Maybe This Is The Cause
2. Heel pain
Wearing flip-flops for an extended period might cause heel pain, known as plantar fasciitis. This pain is caused by a tear in the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the foot from heel to toe.
Flip-flops increase the risk of plantar fasciitis since your toes must constantly bend and grip to walk properly. In addition, when you take a step, your heel will first contact the ground. Without cushioning to ease the impact, the muscle tissue around your heel will take the stress, putting additional strain on the ligaments.
Read more: These Are The Benefits Of Regular Walking 30 Minutes Per Day
3. Sprained foot
The use of flip-flops raises the risk of sprained feet. Flip-flops' flat soles do not give adequate foot support. Constant grasping increases the danger of spraining and rolling while walking.
In the short term, this change in walking may not cause any issues. However, your ankles might become less stable over time, making them more prone to sprains and strains.
Tips for Safely Using Flip Flops
To avoid injuries due to the use of flip-flops, here are some tips that you can try:
- Avoid using flip flops for long periods and when lifting heavy objects
- Be careful to use flip-flops in slippery areas
- Choose flip-flops that fit your foot size, are cushioned, and are comfortable to use
- Replace your flip flops immediately if they show signs of thinning soles or cracked soles
Inexpensive and widely available flip-flops remain the most popular footwear for everyday activities. However, flip-flops are not intended for long-term wear.
Flip flops should only be used when travelling for a limited period and replaced as soon as they show indications of wear. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application.
Want to know more about tips and health tricks, first aid, and home remissions? Click here!
- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
Swaim, E. (2022). Flip-Flops Aren't Great for Your Feet — Here's Why, Plus Alternatives to Try. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/are-flip-flops-bad-for-your-feet
WebMD. (2021). The Worst Shoes for Your Feet. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-worst-shoes-for-your-feet
Temple Health. (2021). Why Flip Flops Are Bad for Your Feet. Avaiable from: https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/why-flip-flops-are-bad-for-your-feet
