With summer comes a natural desire to be outside and to stay as comfortable as possible, for as long as possible. For some people, that means freeing their feet of restrictions and wearing flip-flops when the opportunity presents itself.

While flip-flops do seem to be a comfortable option that lets your feet breath and be exposed to the warm summer air, the truth is that this initial comfort can come at a cost. Occasional use of flip-flops—to the beach, for a brief walk, around the yard—doesn’t pose any real dangers, but constantly wearing them on a regular basis may cause some unexpected damage, as you can wind up with a number of injuries.

The issue is that most flip-flops aren’t designed like shoes, and they lack any real arch support, heel cushioning and shock absorption to help protect your feet. Also, while using flip-flops, most people tend to grip their toes to hold the sandal in place, which strains the muscles in the foot and causes you to change the way you walk.

Over time, this change in gait will lead you to start using muscles and joints in an unusual way and this process can result in problems in the foot, all the way to the lower back. One of the most commonly treated injuries that can result from flip flops is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot, but other injuries include shin splints, metatarsalgia, Achilles tendinitis, calf strains, hip pain and lower back pain.

This doesn’t mean you need to stop wearing flip-flops all the time, but rather that you should be smart about which ones you wear and to do so in moderation. CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services LLC recommends these flip-flop tips:

• Sport sandals offer more support for your arch than flip-flops and a heel strap alleviates pressure in the front of your foot; for a list of sandals approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, click here
• If you decide to still wear flip-flops, choose a pair made of firm materials with stiff soles; leather is a better choice over plastic
• Make sure your flip-flops fit properly and be sure to replace any old or worn-out pair with a newer, more supportive pair
• Only wear flip-flops for short periods of time and don’t use them for long hikes or any other instances where you’ll be walking for a while
• Avoid running or jumping in flip-flops, which can lead to further injuries
• If you experience any pain, don’t ignore it and continue wearing flip-flops; apply ice to the painful area and try switching to a more supportive pair

Don’t let the temptation of wearing flip-flops constantly be the source of a summertime injury. Visit CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services LLC at any of our three locations in Laurel, Hyattsville or Glenn Dale/Bowie, MD if you’ve suffered an injury or are concerned with your footwear selection. Call 301-853-0093 to schedule an appointment, or click here for more information.