5 Things That Flip-Flop Wearers need to know about Plantar Fasciitis
During summer, it’s almost impossible not to see someone wearing flip-flops. And why wouldn’t they wear them?It’s easy to slip on and off. And unlike sneakers and rubber shoes, your feet won’t feel as stuffy and hot. However, fans of flip-flops should be aware that prolonged use of these strappy slippers could affect the feet and do more damage than any stuffy shoes can.
The condition that flip-flop wearers are exposed to is called plantar fasciitis. To educate and help, here are five things that flip-flop wearers need to know about plantar fasciitis:
1. The plantar fascia is a tissue that stretches from the heel, to the arch, and up to the toes of the feet. It’s the main support for the arch as the feet carry the weight of the body. It also absorbs the shock that the feet receive when it hits the ground.
2. When the plantar fascia is overworked and the strain placed on it exceeds its limits, tiny tears will begin to appear. The person with the damaged tissue will then begin to feel pain and inflammation in the area of the plantar fascia. This condition is called plantar fasciitis.
3. As any flip-flop wearing individual would know, the soles of this kind of footwear are normally flat, which means that there is no arch support present. If it doesn’t offer any support, this means that the plantar fascia will begin to work overdrive to compensate. The tissues will tighten and eventually, the previously mentioned tiny tears will appear.
4. For the muscles in the feet to function properly, it needs to constantly be in a proper position. Given that flip-flops lack a strap at the back, the heel will tend to rise as the foot lifts off from the ground. When the heel is lifted, with no support coming from the footwear, the plantar fascia is stretched at an angle that it is not used to. The constant movement of the feet will prove to become too much for the tissue, eventually causing plantar fasciitis.
5. And lastly, flip-flop wearers who are determined to continue wearing this specific footwear but are hoping to avoid plantar fasciitis need not worry. There are several flip-flops in the market that offer great support for the plantar fascia. Find ones that have excellent arch support, heel cushioning, and strong midsoles. In addition, avoid incredibly thin-soled flip-flops and thin straps, as thicker straps will help keep the feet grounded towards the sole.