Who Said Flip-flops Are Safe for Feet

Cheerful colors, attractive motifs, relaxed-looking shapes and fashionable impressions, are often the main attraction of flip flop sandals or commonly called flip-flops. But be careful, it turns out even though it looks cheerful, flip flops are no less dangerous when compared to high heels you know. At weekends or efforts to avoid foot pain from using high heels for too long, some women choose to use flip-flops with attractive colors to keep them looking fashionable. Even some people who have problems with the ankle choose to use flip-flops in the hope that it can relieve leg pain. But, actually flip-flops can also cause tendinitis.

Why are flip flops dangerous?

Flip-flops can be dangerous for the health of the feet because of minimal protection against the feet. The shape of the type of flip flops footwear tends to be flat and has no cushion on the heel, making the feet have to try to make a gripping motion so that the sandals remain in place. In addition, when using flip-flops, the heel will be lifted free and the toes work hard to hold the sandals to keep them from falling apart. This movement actually makes the plantar fascia (the connective tissue lining the sole of the foot) stretch, as well as the sole muscles of the foot. If it happens continuously it can cause tired feet and leg pain, including the heel. This can change gait and cause serious ankle disorders. In addition, the use of flip-flops that do not support the shape and movement of the soles of the feet can make the whole leg experience a collision repeatedly when walking. Eventually this will tear off the protective layer of the heel bone and form a calcium protrusion called heel spurs, which can be characterized by heel pain. Gripping foot movements when using flip-flops can also result in foot injury or tendinitis (tendonitis). This condition is an irritation or inflammation of the tendons (the flexible tissue that connects muscles to bones). Symptoms are burning or burning in the tendon (usually often affects the back of the ankle), stiffness, and pain. In addition to these disorders, the use of flip-flops with minimal arching can also cause back, knee problems, and is thought to cause inflammation of the soles of the feet that are very painful called plantar fasciitis. Lack of support for the soles of the feet when walking, will make the connective tissue in the sole of the foot continuously stretching. Finally, the connective tissue is weakened, swollen, and inflamed.

What is the Ideal Footwear?

To avoid these various problems, you should be more careful in choosing footwear. Not only because of the attractive color, but also note a few things below:

• Have a strap on the back.
• There are thick sole insoles and shoe soles.
• Can ease the impact.
• Pretty deep heel soles.
• Avoid footwear that is very easy to bend backwards.
• Pay attention to the footwear material to avoid irritation. Flip-flops with soft leather can be your choice.
• Change flip-flops every 3 or 4 months, especially if cracks appear on the soles.

Flip-flops are attractive with cheerful colors and can be an option for leisure. But, use that is too long and too often can cause various problems. If interference or pain arises after the use of flip-flops, it is advisable to consult a doctor.