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Ban on Flip Flops? 3 Reasons they are Dangerous

Posted: Jul 20, 2012 11:19 AM
Updated: Jul 20, 2012 11:22 AM

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It's finally flip flop weather and that makes me excited. Most people love to wear their flip flops because it is comfortable and cool. However, flip flops aren't good for every activity and they can be hazardous for your health.

Dr. Gary Stuart says most flip flops offer no foot support and can cause big problems. He says wear them only when you are hanging out, not for lots of walking or hiking.

  • It's easy to fall or hurt your feet when you wear flip flops too much. He also adds that wedges are dangerous and can cause you to slip and twist your ankle.
  • The No. 1 problem podiatrists see from flip flops are "overuse injuries such as stress fractures of the metatarsals, the five long bones that reach out to the toes. A stress fracture happens after constant, repetitive stress to a bone and is generally treated with rest, more-supportive shoes and perhaps a walking boot."
  • Another big problem is sunburns, cuts, bruises, and even burns from walking on hot roads. Some flip flops even caused chemical burns because of what they are made from.

Make sure your kids are wearing appropriate footwear when they are outside this summer. If they are going to be active, they need to wear sneakers, not flip flops. It is even dangerous for them to wear flip flops on playgrounds. Wearing flip flops on a playground can result in cuts, bruises, and sprained ankles.

Do you wear flip flops all summer? How do you decided when flip flops are OK or not?

Topics: dangers of flip flops, flip flop injuries

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