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TEN TIPS TO FOIL A ‘FLIP-FLOP FIASCO’ FROM THE AMERICAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Podiatrists give advice on shopping for and wearing flip-flops

Summertime immediately evokes care-free images of backyard barbeques, relaxing poolside and sporting the ultimate “beach-bum” accessory – the flip-flop. But before jumping into any pair of stylish flip-flops, it’s important to realize that wearing them can easily lead to a variety of serious foot injuries.

“There are many flip-flops on the market that offer little to nothing in terms of arch support, stability and shock absorption,” said Dr. Ross Taubman, President of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Foot-related injuries due to flip-flop wear have been on the rise. Opting to wear a pair of cheaply constructed flip-flops puts the wearer at risk for injuries such as arch pain, tendinitis and sprained ankles.”

Pay attention to the following 10 flip-flop “do’s” and “don’ts” to avoid falling victim to a “flip-flop fiasco:”

Flip-Flop Do’s:

●Do look for a flip-flop that is made of high-quality, soft leather. This material, unlike plastic or foam, will minimize the potential for blisters and other kinds of irritation.
●Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, such as Chaco’s Flip Collection and Wolky’s Serenity, part of their Zen Collection. Evaluated by a committee of APMA podiatric physicians, these products are shown to allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality foot health. For more foot-friendly choices, visit APMA’s Seal page.
●Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring that it bends naturally at the ball of the foot. Shoes should never fold in half.
●Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar warts and athlete’s foot.
●Do ensure that your foot doesn’t hang off of the edge of the flip-flop.

 

Flip-Flop Don’ts:

●Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Thoroughly inspect older flip-flops for wear. If they show signs of severe wear in the soles, it’s time to discard them.
●Don’t ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits – this can lead to blisters and even worse irritation.
●Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flop offers little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
●Don’t do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects the foot when doing outside activities like mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
●Don’t ever play sports in flip-flops. You can easily twist your foot or ankle, leading to sprains or breaks.

Produced by the American Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.apma.org