Avoid a "Flip-Flop Fiasco" with 10 Tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association
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, many barbeques, pool parties and other enjoyable outdoor activities are also accompanied by 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," said Dr. Ronald Jensen, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "When choosing a flip-flop to wear, wearers should pay special attention to important features, such as soft leather construction and adequate arch and heel support, to avoid serious injury during warm weather activities."
If experiencing any foot pain, one should always consult with a podiatrist. Avoid falling victim to a "flip-flop fiasco" this summer by following 10 essential APMA tips:
Do's:
- Do shop for a flip-flop made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential for blisters and other types of irritation.
- Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA's Seal of Acceptance, such as Sole Platinum Sandals. Evaluated by a committee of APMA podiatrists, these products are shown to allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality health.
- Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Shoes of any kind 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.
Dont's:
- Don't re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If they show signs of severe wear, discard them.
- Don't ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This can lead to blisters and possible infections.
- Don't wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer 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 feet when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
- Don't play sports in flip-flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as well as sprains and breaks.
