These are the risks of wearing flip flops in summer

They are a summer classic, to go to the pool, to the beach or even to be at home, surely you will have also seen them or taken them to the street. Be that as it may, it is indisputable that they are the most used footwear during summer and holidays but they have associated dangers that you probably cannot imagine. Take note of the damage that flip flops, sandals or flip flops can be doing to your feet.

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Alterations in the tread

The flip flops seem the most comfortable and cool option to walk in summer but you have to keep in mind that This type of footwear is not really designed for walking. According to the Official College of Podiatrists of the Community of Madrid (COPOMA), "Abusing flip flops in summer is a mistake, because in the long run they can harm not only our feet, but also our footprint that can be modified."

The mechanics of the foot when walking is simple, the heel contacts first with the ground and then the weight goes to the middle area and from there to the pad under the toes from which momentum is taken forward to take the step . As well, if our foot has a flip flop, this natural way of walking cannot happen since the footwear would be shot forward So the movement made by the foot to prevent the flip flop is to flex the sole of the foot inward with a claw effect that is unnatural and can cause injuries.

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Damages associated with the use of flip flops

When this contraction movement is done with the foot to grab the flip flop so that it does not come out, the plantar fascia which is a band of elastic tissue that goes from the heel to the area under the fingers or metatarsal is put in tension. This tension of the fascia can cause inflammation and pain in the plantar arch which is what is known as plantar fasciitis and can lead to calcareous spur if ruptures in the fascia that are calcified are suffered, a very painful process if it is not treated. weather.

The use of flip flops or sandals without support can then change the natural footprint and a modified footprint can not only cause plantar fasciitis, but also metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma in extreme cases, and even injuries to the hips or knees, in addition to being able to cause so-called claw fingers.

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A simple solution

Walking barefoot is a pleasure and does not involve these risks presented by flip flops but since we can not walk barefoot more than at specific times the solution goes through a fairly simple gesture according to podiatrists. It seems that all these risks would be prevented with something as simple as wearing sandals that have a strap that holds the heel, so the natural mechanics of the foot would not be altered and the tread would be relaxed and are contractions of the plantar fascia.

COPOMA experts, in addition to good foot support, recommend that the sole of the footwear be between 3 and 4 cm to be able to exercise a muffled footprint.

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If you want to take care of the health of your feet and not alter your natural footprint thus avoiding injuries and damages not desirable this summer, opt for sandals that offer good support and cushioning and forget about the traditional flip-flops to step firmly and with panache this summer.