Summer Scare: FLIP-FLOPS

Flip-flops have come a long way from their humble beginnings at the beach and public pool. They’ve now infiltrated every part of our lives, from the boardwalk to the boardroom.

But the seemingly carefree flip-flop has a dark side:

Flip-flops are bad for your feet and your body.

We’ve all experienced that between-the-toes pleasure of a flip-flop’s spongy thong. And, as it happens, that’s just where the trouble begins.

Off you go down the boardwalk with your umbrella and your cooler, feeling like a million bucks. You’re smiling.

But what you don’t know is that your flip-flops’ insidious plan has already begun. Because there’s no way to take a healthy step in a traditional flip-flop (that is, if one can refer to any flip-flop as “traditional.”)

See, when you walk, you need to push the ground back with the base of your first two toes. Your happy day at the beach turns ugly – because those cheery flip-flops that you’ve entrusted your feet to will leave those very two toes holding the thong.

Here are some of the horrors that ensue:

• Pushing off on the instep, rather than the base of your big toe, can result in painful and/or fallen arches.
• It can also create or worsen a bunion and can make the toes overlap and deform.
• Pushing off the outer toes stresses and tightens the outer leg and hip.
• Because you can’t push the ground away behind you, you can’t take a full step, and therefore, you walk with a shortened stride, and that affects your whole body.

Fallen arches, bunions, a shortened stride, tight outer legs, and back – these lead to a host of other symptoms and may lead to moral weakness as well.

Note: While no direct link has been shown — yet — between the innocent little flip-flop and global climate change, it’s best to limit your use of flip-flops to the patio or sauna.

Walking in bare feet is better than walking in flip-flops.

Now you may be thinking – oh, no, Dr. Russell! Don’t make me choose between you and my flip-flops! Sigh. Here you go again. Fine. If you must wear flip-flops, get thick, supportive ones with a ridge around the whole back of them, with an imprint of your foot that includes an indent for your heel, making it easier for your foot to stay seated and your weight to go through your foot a little better.

And if you really want me to rest easy on a hot summer night (your doctor worries!), wear sandals with a strap around the back of your heel. This will keep you cool – in every sense – but protect one of the most important joints in your entire body.

Email me with questions or comments

george@georgerusselldc.com