Flip flops provide the feet with very little support and can cause lower leg pain, problems with you feet, and even change the way you walk. The lack of support leaves your ankle free to twist and turn, making a fall, sprained ankle, or broken ankle more likely.
A recent study at Auburn University showed that flip flops cause the walking pattern to change and place most of pressure on the heels. The lack of shock absorption causes the foot to work too hard and create overuse injuries, like tendinitis, back pain, hip pain, and knee pain.
Trade in your flip flops for a pair of supportive shoes and your feet and body will thank you.
Flip flops are not the only shoe to blame for an aching body, high heels can also cause a problem for your feet. When you kick off your relaxing flip flops and slip into your evening wear and heels, you're doing your feet another disservice. Towering heels place a great amount of strain on your feet, ankles, and legs. The image from the Washington Post on the right demonstrates the drastic change footwear has on the body. In flat shoes the woman's posture is upright and correct. In heels, the woman's posture is negatively altered and the pressure on the ball of her feet is increased. As demonstrated in the illustration, the pressure on the forefoot increases in one inch heels by 22%, two inch heels by 57%, and three inch heels by 76%. High heels can also cause several other problems with the feet and legs. The risk of ankle injury is increased because the unstable shoe impairs balance and falling or twisting an ankle is a likelihood. The shoes can also cause hammer toes, bunions, tightening of the Achilles tendon, metatarsalsgia, haglunds deformity, tightening of the calf muscle, and knee injuries.
Fashion is fun, especially after being in a black leotard and tights all day, but it is not worth your health. Be smart when choosing footwear to keep your legs and feet dancing for a long time to come.
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