Cattails
Flip-flops: Fashion statement or pain in the foot?
They were once the lowly 99-cent beach sandal at the corner drug store.
Today, flip-flops have been elevated to a fashion mainstay for millions of wearers. While they are fun, and cheap, they can also be a pain – literally.
At Marshfield Clinic Weston Center, Kerry Dernbach, D.P.M., has seen an increase in young patients complaining of foot problems.
“Some of my patients wear flip-flops constantly,” said Dr. Dernbach. “Most of the problems are with heel, arch and foot pain.” Once the patients are treated with antiinflammatory medication and rest, she advises them to wean their way off the flip-flops, and on to footwear with more arch support and cushioning.
Marshfield Center Podiatrist Bettricia Otto, D.P.M., sees an increasing number of patients with foot problems related to flip-flops. Tendonitis, plantar fasciitis (a painful inflammatory condition of the foot) and stress fractures are the most common conditions she treats with flip-flop wearers.
“Flip-flops give no support to the bottom of your foot, so it can twist and turn any which way, leading to sprains, breaks and falls,” said Dr. Otto. “The thin, flat soles have virtually no shock-absorbing qualities.” From a safety standpoint, she cautions against wearing them while driving, as they can easily get lodged in the gas or brake pedals of a car.
Researchers at Auburn University found that flip-flop wearers actually take shorter steps, placing more stress on the body, and posing a higher risk of muscle and joint pain in the legs, as well as knee, hip and back pain.
Toes were another issue in the study. Scrunching toes to keep the flip-flop on the foot caused throbbing and tenderness in the toes. And since the foot is not lifted up as much, wearers start walking with the classic flip-flop shuffle.
More heel pain than ever before is being seen in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that normally doesn’t have this issue, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. They cite as the main culprit flip-flops being worn to school every day.
Both Dr. Dernbach and Dr. Otto agree the funky sandals are fine for walking by the pool, beach or on warm surfaces (the sandal’s original use) and in public showers to prevent athlete’s foot and plantar warts. They are not intended for all-day wearing, or for exercise. “One woman wore flipflops while working out on a treadmill and tore off her toe nail,” noted Dr. Otto. “It’s important to be wise, and match your shoes to the type of activity you’re doing,” she added.
Flip-flop wearers who experience arch pain, foot pain or other discomfort while walking in the sandal should contact their physician.
“Our feet take quite a beating,” Dr. Dernbach said. Flip-flops are the main cause of foot blisters, sores and nasty fungal infections from the strap rubbing between the toes.
By wearing flip-flops daily, the rubber sole will wear out, making wearers roll out their ankle and risking tendonitis. “In essence, it’s like you are going barefoot,” said Dr. Dernbach. A good sign not to wear a sandal every day is if you can twist it into a ball.
Several fashionable alternatives are available. Dr. Dernbach noted that “anything with good arch support is a must. Keen, Clark’s and Eastland sandals are great alternatives.” Dr. Otto said a good choice for people wearing orthotics is NAOT sandals, as they have removable insoles.
“We neglect our feet constantly,” Dr. Dernbach said. “It’s important to take whatever steps we can now to preserve the feet that serve us so well.”
For more flip-flop do’s and don’ts, visit www.marshfieldclinic.org/podiatry.
