Flip-Flops Can Cause Injuries

Prolonged wearing of flip-flops on hard flat surfaces can cause considerable foot and leg problems, say experts. Flip flops costs the National Health Services, in the United Kingdom, around 40 million pounds a year. Around 200,000 people see their doctors or even end up in accident and emergency after falling victim to the footwear. "Prolonged wearing on hard flat surfaces can cause considerable foot and leg problems," The Daily Star quoted podiatrist Emma Supple as saying. Insurers in Norwich Union have warned that drivers in flip-flops can lose control of their car.

Experts from Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, UK, warned that wearing flip-flops could cause problems resulting in long-term damage as they force people to change the way they walk. According to MBT, a shoe firm in Britain, flip-flop is one of the most liked footwear among women, and almost 15 million wear them each day during summers. As revealed by experts, over 200,000 people visit their physician every year after suffering falls or developing prolonged foot and leg problems as a result of wearing flip-flops. They could even land in hospital.

Harms of Flip-Flops

According to experts, prolonged use of flip-flops could cause problems like shin splints (shinbone pain) and joint pains. Shinbone pain is inflammation of the muscles surrounding the shinbone (bone at front of lower leg), often caused by running or jogging on hard roads. Daily Mail quoted Mike O’Neill, spokesperson, Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, as saying, “The lack of support of the flip-flop also causes pain in the tendons on the inside of the foot and lower leg.” Experts further state that the footwear pushes people to change their walking. When treading, they put pressure on the outside of the foot, rather than the heel, which causes protracted damage. Furthermore, flip-flops could cause one to trip over, thus leading to serious injuries.

Other Drawbacks of Flip-Flops

People wearing flip-flops also often complain of twisted ankles, and some have reported broken arms or wrists after falling on patchy ground as they were wearing the footwear. Besides, many people suffer aching toes as they keep plodding them up to clench the thong. Thus, they could also have odd stubbed toe. The little finger is often thumped, resulting in a break or dislocation. Additionally, if one is not habitual of wearing them, flip-flops can cause blisters. Physicians state that flip-flops are not just equally harmful as stilettos but could be more dangerous as they are worn for longer. Emma Supple, consultant podiatrist, MBT, was quoted by Daily Mail as saying, “Flip-flops are universally popular. They are easy to put on and easy to wear but women do need to be mindful that prolonged wearing on hard flat surfaces can cause considerable foot and leg problems.” Supple stressed on wearing sensible shoes to help recover from summertime injuries.

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