| As temperatures rise and the
weather heats up, many will stay
cool by slipping on a pair of
their favorite
footwear—flip-flops—before
venturing outside.
Unfortunately, the flip side of
this rubberized sandal is the
painful foot ailments attributed
to flip-flop wear, including
cuts and abrasions, broken toes,
and painful sprains.
“Many flip-flops that are widely
available for purchase can be
very unsafe for feet,” says Dr.
Kevin Naugle, president of the
Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical
Association (PPMA).
“Flip-flops should be worn only
for limited activities around
the house, pool, or beach. Flip-
flops lack support and
protection. A running or walking
shoe would be a smart
alternative for activities that
involve standing or walking for
long periods of time, such as
shopping, exercise, or working.”
Dr. Naugle advises that “Wearing
flip-flops for these activities
can lead to numerous foot and
ankle ailments involving pain
and injury.” He suggests a
slip-on sandal or Croc®
in lieu of flip-flops because
they cradle the foot and offer
the proper support needed.
So as you head out to the beach
or your neighbor’s barbeque, be
conscious of any type of foot
pain you may be experiencing.
Always consult with a
podiatrist. Avoid falling victim
to a “flip-flop fiasco” this
summer by following these 10
essential tips from PPMA’s
parent organization, the
American Podiatric Medical
Association (APMA):
|
PPMA Members Have Plenty to
Say About Flip-Flops
“My only advice would be to
wear them as little as
possible.” –William Schlorff,
DPM, PPMA President-Elect,
2009-2010, Jersey Shore, PA
“I’d add that flip-flops were
never intended to take the place
of real shoes worn for work.
They are just fine for minimal
protection on surfaces that
might otherwise pose a threat to
the foot.” –John Fawcett,
DPM, PPMA Past President,
2007-2008, Drexel Hill, PA
“As a fashion statement they
are fine, and I don't think they
will do any damage to a healthy
foot. But they offer less
protection from all the hazards
we normally face–sharp objects,
falling objects, etc.” –Richard
Rettig, DPM, PPMA Board Member,
Philadelphia, PA
“Flip-flops are not designed
to be worn all day as they do
not properly support the foot
and ankle. I recommend to my
non-diabetic patients to limit
wearing their flip-flops to the
beach and only for short periods
of time. -Maryann P Hartzell,
DPM, PPMA Board Member,
Allentown, PA
“Flip-flops were designed to get
you from your beach chair to the
water and back, not to replace
shoes.” –Stephen A. Monaco,
DPM, PPMA Past President,
1997-1998, Havertown, PA
“Flip-flops are fine if you
have no problems with your feet.
Just remember that they offer no
support and minimal protection
for your feet. You are better
off with a more rigid sandal
with a thicker foot-bed and
contoured arch. Better yet is
something like a Croc®,
which gives more support and
offers some protection for the
toes and the top of the foot. –Pete
Smith, DPM, PPMA Board Member,
Lancaster, PA
“Flip-flops are OK to take on
a trip to use around the hotel
room, pool-side, when showering,
walking around in a spa or
health club shower room, or even
on the beach to protect the foot
from hot sand. They are
especially dangerous on
escalators (be careful with Crocs® also). In our
university town, it is amazing
to see flip-flops worn even in
cold weather by students. Ahhh
-- Youth! Depending on your
health and other issues, better
bets are sandals with strong
arch and metatarsal foot-beds.
Some even can accommodate
orthotics.” –Larry J.
Assalita, DPM, PPMA Member and
"Fit Feet" PA Special Olympics
Podiatrist, State College, PA
“Flip-Flops are not good for
your feet if you do any activity
other than minimal walking; and,
then, only if you have no foot
problems.” –Larry Newman,
DPM, PPMA Past President,
1986-1987, and Assistant Dean
and Medical Director, Temple
University School of Podiatric
Medicine, Foot & Ankle Institute
and Ambulatory Surgical Center
"I admit I wear them at the
seashore, as they are great for
the beach. But remember that
flip-flops are best for this
type of activity and not to be
worn constantly. Make sure you
buy new ones each summer because
when they wear out, they are
really bad for the feet. If you
are a diabetic they offer little
or no protection, so avoid them
at all costs. If you are not
careful, they could cost you
some foot health." –Edwin S.
Hart, DPM, PPMA Past President,
2006-2007, Bethlehem, PA
"The flip-flop is a beach or
pool shoe. If worn as a regular
shoe, it becomes a podiatry
patient." --Marc Karpo, DPM,
PPMA Board Member, Norristown,
PA
Any of these members listed
can be found by going to the
“Find a Podiatrist” section. |
