Flip-flops are an all-time favourite and are most comfortable but did you know that they can cause a bunch of foot problems? Yes, about time we restricted the mass usage of flip-flops to just about the beach, pool, and spa and showers. Here are 10 reasons why flip-flops cause foot-problems –
- Flip-flops expose the feet to bacteria, viral and fungal infections like Staphylococcus, bacteria that can irritate the skin on the foot or cause Athlete’s foot which is an annoying and highly contagious infection. And, flip-flops offer little protection and increase risk of injuries like stubbed toes, glass cuts, puncture wounds or having a heavy object smash your foot,
- Flip-flop wearers are slow in pace, as they take smaller steps than those in sneakers.
- Flip-flops wearers are at high risk of tripping over or being trampled over in a crowd .
- Wearing flip-flops increases the full impact of the heel-strike causing pain if one stands/walks in them for long periods of time.
- Flip-flop wearers can suffer from irritation and blisters, leaving the feet exposed to wounds, pathogens and infection.
- Flip-flop wearers suffer from hammertoe which is a condition of the knuckles on the toes bending causing stiffness and pain which could lead to surgery if not intervened .
- Flip-flop wearers have altered biomechanics which affects the body posture significantly.
- Those who wear flip-flops suffer from sharp shooting pains for lack of alignment of the knees, hips and the back due to lack of arch support of the nature of flip-flops. This can result in Achilles tendonitis, heel pain and pinched nerves in the back.
- Over-gripping or clenching of the toes while wearing flip-flops can cause extreme pain and unsightly bunions at the big toe joint which is not a natural position for the feet. Such positions have altered gait, eventually causing muscular issues in the feet and the calves and leading to the painful condition of jogger’s heel and in extreme cases, lower body issues like knee pain.
- Flip-flops are always not made of safe materials but of cheap latex or plastic that has BPA and wearers can be allergic to all it.
Time to rethink the shoe wardrobe – say bye-bye to flip-flops to keep away foot problems.