Building a Better Flip-Flop

At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care, we see many patients at this time of the year who are suffering from foot pain or have sustained an injury due to a popular footwear fashion: flip-flops. These shoes are great for wearing at the pool or in communal showers where they can protect your feet from fungal infections which are transmitted by direct contact. They were never meant to be worn daily, however. Patients who wear flip-flops regularly have a higher incidence of many feet and ankle problems, including:

• Cuts and scrapes
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Heel pain

If you are a frequent flip-flop wearer and are experiencing foot or ankle pain, make an appointment at our Edison (732-204-6630), Monroe (732-204-6802) or Monmouth Junction (732-204-6945) office. Our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral, and Dr. Nrupa Shah will be able to track down the source of your discomfort and determine the correct treatment to bring you relief in addition to modifying your footwear.

Foot Friendly Choices

The good news is that some shoe manufacturers are making improvements to the traditional flip-flop, preserving the ease of wear but adding features that make them healthier for your feet. Look for the following design elements in summer footwear:

• Good arch support. The long band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of your foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed when your arch is unsupported. This results in pain to the arch and the heel.
• Cushioned foot bed. One of the problems with flip-flops is that there is only a thin layer of material between your foot and the ground. This causes excessive strain on the bottom of your foot from repeated impact as you walk. A molded and cushioned foot bed will be much safer and more comfortable.
• Back strap. This simple addition will help stabilize your foot and keep it in the proper position. It will also prevent ankle twisting injuries and tripping accidents.

Contact our foot doctors for more recommendations of shoe styles that will accommodate any chronic podiatric issues that you have.