Flip-Flops Pose Hidden Health Risks

Richardson, TX, July 02, 2009 --(PR.com)-- When it comes to summer health hazards, we’ve all heard of too much sun, too much fun, and even nasty bug bites. Believe it or not, too much time on your flip-flops can cause just as many problems. These innocent-looking slabs of polyurethane may be the season’s fun footwear of choice, but they often lead to an array of foot injuries.

“People are not aware,” said podiatrist Dr. Gene Reister. “They are following a fashion trend and not thinking about potential foot problems. Without wearing a shoe that provides proper support and protection, people are at risk of developing multiple foot problems.”

Dr. Reister has been practicing podiatry in Dallas for 31 years, and says this is the time of year when you can prevent foot injuries.

“The number one reason adults come to my office is heel and arch pain, which is usually due to excess stress in the plantar fascia ligament in the arch of the foot,” he said. “Next to going barefoot, flip-flops offer the least amount of support.”

When the foot hits the ground, it rolls inward. Wearing flip-flops allows the foot to roll even more than usual. This “overpronation” causes pain in the heel, arch, toes, and forefoot.

“There’s an increased risk of ankle sprains, stubbed toes, and exposure to falling objects,” said Reister. “It’s also not a great idea for pregnant women to be wearing them. It’s just too easy to trip.”

Anyone with existing, foot, ankle, or knee problems can exacerbate their injuries. Furthermore, diabetics are more susceptible to sunburns, minor cuts and infection. Like many fun summer activities, moderation is the key.

“If you just wear flip-flops around the pool, or for a limited amount of walking, people run a low risk of foot problems,” said Reister. “Children are going have fewer problems, because they put less pressure on their feet than full grown adults. We have an expression: ‘Big people have bad feet.’ If you are not overweight or not going to be engaged in strenuous activities, you should be fine.”

While foot health is rarely on the forefront of the typical flip-flopper’s mind, happy feet do equal happy people. “It affects the quality of life,” said Reister. “If your feet hurt, it limits your physical activities. Summer should be about outdoor fun without foot pain.”

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For more information, or to set up additional interviews, contact Scott Reister at 509-554-4350 or Dr. Reister at 972-690-5374. Video/photo opportunities at his office include diagrams, model feet, and patients.

His practice is located at 2001 N Collins Blvd #103, Richardson, TX 75080

Additional information: In 2008, Auburn University researchers found that flip-flop wearers took shorter steps and that their heels hit the ground with less vertical force than when the same walkers wore athletic shoes. When wearing flip-flops, the study participants did not bring their toes up as much during the leg’s swing phase, resulting in a larger ankle angle and shorter stride length, possibly because they tended to grip the flip-flops with their toes. This repeated motion can result in problems from the foot up into the hips.