Spring is in full swing here in Ferndown and one thing I've noticed, other than the smiling faces, is the change in footwear. Flip flops, thongs or jandals, whatever you call them may be the perfect fashion choice for a warm day but what effect is that having on your feet?
According to the National Foot Health Assessment 2012, 78% of people aged 21 and older have experienced one or more foot problems in their lives. Granted flip flops won’t always be the primary cause but let’s take a look on how they effect those feet.
When you walk with flip flops, it changes your natural gait cycle leading you to take shorter strides, foot arch collapses over stretching the soft tissues; you scrunch your toes for grip and end up turning your ankles inward. This can lead to a number of problems. In 2012 an estimated $62 million was spent treating 200,000 flip flop related foot injuries within the UK alone including foot fatigue, heel spurs, infections, cuts/scrapes, bunions, hip problems, lower back pain, walking issues.
It’s not all doom and gloom though, if you follow these tips on what type of flip flops to wear you can combine fashion and function without getting hot feet.
choose sturdier soles to provide better cushioning, they should not fold inwards or sideways
choose ones with a built in arch support to place less stress on your plantar fascia
choose a high quality, soft leather strap between the toes to prevent blisters
only wear them for short periods of time such as around the pool, on the beach or in the changing room, DO NOT wear them for long walks
DO NOT play sports in them!
DO NOT wear them whilst driving as your feet can easily slip or it can fall off and get lodged under the pedals
DO NOT ignore irritations between the toes and where the strap rests. Blisters and infections can easily occur
use sunscreen to prevent burnt bright red feet
and DO replace thin-soled flip flops every 3-4 months
Did you know that Chiropractors can help with foot pain? Not just for the Chiropodists after all! We have a lot of success with bio-mechanical related foot pain just as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis and soft-tissue injuries. If you'd like to make an appointment at the Ferndown clinic just drop a text or call 07401 993 334 today.