Flip-flops: your arch enemy? | News

THURSDAY,
July 5 (HealthDay News) -- People of all ages wear flip-flops during
the summer, but this type of footwear can cause pain and injury when
worn for long periods of time, while walking on concrete or when playing
sports, experts warn.

That's because flip-flops offer limited arch
support and coverage for the feet, orthopedic doctors at the Mount Sinai
School of Medicine in New York City said in a medical school news
release.

The doctors outlined some potential health concerns associated with these casual, summer shoes.

People change how they walk when wearing
flip-flops, gripping with their toes in order to keep the shoes in
place. This can lead to stress in certain muscles and strain in toes,
ankles, legs, hips and the back.

Because the flat and flimsy shoe bed in
flip-flops does not provide adequate foot support for all-day wear,
people may be at risk for arch pain, plantar fasciitis and nerve
problems.

The lack of shock absorption in flip-flops
also can lead to pain in the feet, legs, hips and back. Other problems
associated with flip-flops include broken toes and toe nails, cuts and
germs, the Mount Sinai experts said.

Sun damage is another potential issue with
flip-flops and other sandals. Anyone wearing this type of footwear
should apply sunscreen to their feet in order to reduce their risk for
skin cancer.

More information

The American Podiatric Medical Association has more about flip-flops.

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