Flip-flops can do more harm than good

July 10, 2014  11:56

Flip-flops are one of the worst things you can wear on your feet. The folks at Topical BioMedics, which deals in pain relief, offer the following insights into why flip-flops should remain on the beach, and not be seen as everyday footwear, Our Windsor reported.

• Most flip-flops offer no arch support. In fact, continuous walking them may cause the calf muscle to stretch, straining the Achilles tendon. Regularly wearing shoes without support can hurt your knees, hips and back.

• Because flip flops are thin and flimsy, feet hit the ground with more intensity, which is more jarring to bones and joints.

• Flip-flops and other backless shoes cause toes to “over grip” in order to keep them on your feet; this can throw your gait and balance off kilter, greatly increasing the risk of tripping.

• Flip-flops can aggravate deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, and contribute to plantar fasciitis.

• The thin rubber thong between the toes causes friction, which can result in irritation, blisters and abrasions between the toes that may become susceptible to infection.

• Flip-flops leave feet totally exposed, making cuts and scrapes more likely. In addition, their thin soles are easily punctured by shards of glass, nails, splinters and so on.

• Flip-flops’ rubber soles are porous, which makes them a breeding ground for funguses, bacteria, and other germs. This can lead to athlete’s foot, warts and other problems.

 

 

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