Reasons Why Avoiding Flip-Flops And Sandals Encourages Good Foot Health
When summer weather is present, many people ditch their sneakers and conservative shoes for airy flip-flops or sandals. While these shoes contribute to the cooling of the feet or showing off nail polish or jewelry, they can also cause quite a bit of havoc if worn day in and day out. Here are some reasons why saving flip-flops and sandals for special occasions like beach days, and wearing supportive shoes the rest of the time can be helpful to the health of your feet.
Decreases The Risk Of Bacterial And Fungal Infections
When your feet are covered, your feet are not susceptible to coming into contact with bacteria. Walking around in areas where dirt is present can lead to exposure to Staphylococcus, which is a bacteria that can cause infection if you have an open wound on your foot. Likewise, fungus can attach to the feet leading to athlete's foot or plantar warts. These fungal conditions will cause itching, redness, or warts on the feet.
Minimizes The Chance Of Pain Caused By Plantar Fasciitis
Flip-flops and sandals do not support your heel area, making the impact with each step you take increase the likelihood of heel problems as a result. Since you only have a flat surface to work with for support, your heels will take the brunt of the pain if you wear these types of shoes non-stop. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the tissue that connects your heel to the ball of your foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed from inadequate support. This ailment can cause the arch of your foot to weaken over time, leading to a flatter footprint. This condition tends to cause pain that increases gradually over time.
Helps Your Toes From Contracting A Hammertoe Condition
When you wear an open-toe shoe, your toes need to work harder at keeping the rest of your body upright as you walk. Since your toes need to grasp onto the flip-flops or sandals to keep them from sliding off of your feet, they often have a gnarled appearance that can take its toll on them over time. Your toes will become accustomed to this stance, leading to hammertoe, which is a condition that causes permanent joint damage and an unfavorable appearance. When your toes are constantly in this position, the rest of your body is affected as well. Your shift of gravity may become altered, leading to poor posture.
For more information and help picking out supportive shoes, contact a company like Advanced Foot Clinic.
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