Even though flip flops are go-to footwear for many casual outings or summer activities, those open-toed shoes might end up doing more harm to your feet than you realize. While flip flops can be quite stylish and convenient to slip on, it’s important to wear them sparingly. If worn too frequently, your favorite flip flops can lead to severe foot pain.
Continue reading to learn how that flimsy pair of flip flops you wear can lead to joint and muscle pain!
Ankle, Back, And Hip Pain
Flip flops aren’t securely attached to your feet since they don’t have any back straps or side support, which will make you change the way you walk. You may not even notice when it happens. You might start taking shorter steps to keep the soles on your feet. Eventually, you could start dragging your feet and hitting your heels to the ground with less vertical force than if you were walking normally. These movements can throw off your natural balance and trigger pain in the ankles, knees, hips, and back.
Plantar Fasciitis
The soles on most flip flops are flat and flimsy with little support for your natural arch. Their flat design, combined with the lack of back or side support, makes them prone to slipping off your feet at the slightest misstep. As you walk, the muscles in your feet and toes begin to work overtime to keep those flimsy flip flops from falling off. Those overused foot muscles can eventually lead to painful plantar fasciitis.
You may find that your toes are gripping the flip flop soles to keep from coming off, or that your feet are flatter than they should be. This can cause ligaments in your feet to possibly overstretch. This injury can cause severe foot and heel pain, especially when trying to walk or run.
Tendonitis
Constant flip flop wear can also lead to an overuse injury like tendonitis. Tendonitis occurs when some parts of the foot are working overtime to compensate for the lack of support, causing the tendons and muscles in the foot to become strained and irritated.
This condition can often occur in the tendons around the ankle, top of the foot, and in the calf. It is typically felt during movement and can be especially painful when walking or running. If left untreated, it can also eventually lead to muscle tears that will exacerbate the pain in your feet.
Choose Better Footwear for Foot Pain
If you’re ready to ditch those old sandals and find something more comfortable, here are a few tips to help you pick out your next pair of summer slip-ons:
The Right Shoe Size: Make sure you find a pair that fits properly. Your toes should not be compressed, pushed in, or curled up to fit properly. Additionally, your toes and heels should be fully on the sole, leaving nothing to hang off.
Durable Material: The shoe should only bend at the ball of the foot. Bending right down the middle means the shoes are too flimsy. Instead, opt for shoes made of durable materials like leather or thick rubber. These materials are more comfortable and durable than flip flops with thin plastic soles.
More Straps for Better Support: It’s best to look for shoes with a back strap or multiple straps to keep your foot nice and snug while taking the pressure off your toes.
Airrosti: Fast Foot Pain Relief
Foot pain is a very common ailment that our Providers treat. If you find yourself with aching feet, schedule an appointment with Airrosti today and get back to doing the things you love most.
At Airrosti, your Provider will thoroughly assess your injury or condition to help diagnose the underlying cause of your foot pain. In addition, you will receive hands-on manual therapy, a personalized treatment plan to strengthen your feet and keep you moving, and resources and tools to continue your recovery at home.
Call us at (800) 404-6050 for more information.
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