Skip the Flip! Part 3

The flip-flop excels in terms of significantly altering the biomechanics of your gait and the anatomy of your foot. The problem is that this footwear seems so innocuous! Who would have thought that such a simple shoe is the reason for so many pathologies and resultant office visits!?

            This summer footwear alters your gait patterns adversely, provides zero support for your lower extremity, does not offer shock absorption (leaving your poor foot to deal with stress all on its own), yields no traction on level surfaces, and may result in strain and sprain injuries! In addition, wearing flip-flops will cause back, hip, and knee pain and overuse injuries at the level of the ankle! It is almost unbelievable that the wearing of flip-flops wreaks such havoc on your body and is responsible for so many abnormalities! 

            But, there’s more! Unlike other shoes, flip-flops do not hold onto the foot and so it becomes necessary to use your muscles and tendons to clutch them in place.  If you have a high-arched or flat foot type, wearing flip-flops is particularly bad because you are likely to develop problems related joint stability and tendons. Depending on the length and duration of wear, you may develop chronic tendinitis!

            Most flip-flops are constructed with a springy, elastic sole. As your foot hits the ground when wearing normal shoes, it rolls inwards or everts. Flip-flops actually allow the foot to roll inward even more than usual! This eversion of your foot is called pronation and too much pronation will lead to many foot problems! Your arch is supposed to lock in place in order to absorb shock every time your foot hits the ground. Pronation of the foot opens your arch and loosens its locking mechanism. If this happens, you will encounter problems in various foot areas: toes, forefoot, arch, and heel!  

The open style of flip-flops also predisposes your feet to environmental factors such as friction, heat and moisture which can lead to the formation of blisters, warts and athlete’s foot!

So before you rush to your closet and chuck out all your flip-flops, keep this important idea in mind: moderation! Do not wear flip-flops for long periods of time for walking and do not wear them while driving (since flip-flops are not anchored to your feet, they may get lodged under your brakes or gas pedal). This summer, just wear them to lounge by the pool or play in the sand while on the beach!

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com