Newswise — They're no longer just for the pool or beach"¦nowadays flip-flops are a fashionable footwear staple. But experts warn if you're not careful—those flip-flops can lead to just as much foot pain as your stilettos.
"They're comfortable, they're easy to wear and easy to get on and off," says Joel Brook, DPM, podiatrist on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano.
But wearing flip-flops everyday or for hours at a time can walk you right into some big problems. Dr. Brook says the first sign is usually pain. In fact, according to podiatrists, frequent flip-flop wearers can suffer arch pain, heel pain, even tendonitis.
"Sometimes it's an acute pain that really stops you in your tracks, and sometimes it's a dull, aching, fatigue-like pain that you feel in your feet and can actually start radiating up your leg," explains Dr. Brooks.
The problem is lack of support. Your feet in flip-flops lie completely flat.
"If you put yourself in a situation where you're going to spend the entire day walking you need to think about what you're wearing on your feet and flip-flops are not a good idea," adds Dr. Brooks.
But if you just can't step away from the style Dr. Brooks says it's best to buy a pair that's specially designed for comfort.
"A flip-flop or a sandal that is well constructed—that provides good arch support, good cushion and shock absorption in the heel and forefoot—that really can help with some of these symptoms," says Dr. Brooks.
Experts add that most of the time you do get what you pay for with flip-flops. Those that cost just a few dollars usually offer the least cushion and arch support.
For more information about Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
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