Flip Flops: The Summer Accessory with Hidden Dangers

Many people in the summer time enjoy the benefits of being able to slip on flip flops and go. They are a great summer accessory for many during the summer and are worn with just about everything. I can't live without them myself. They are great for helping one stay cool in the summer time and for getting across those hot sandy beaches. But many are unaware of the dangers of wearing flip flops. There is damage that can be done to the feet and body.

Dangers

Flip flops that are worn constantly can cause pain to the feet. This is because they don't offer a lot of support. Flip flops are usually made flat and when we walk in them we tend to take shorter steps. This may cause someone to take more steps than they normally would, adding stress to the feet. Also, when we lift the feet up to walk, many of us scrunch our toes up to keep the flip flop on. This causes our toes and will cause our toes to become sore. Sometimes this may even cause blisters to form on our toes from the constant rubbing together with the flip flops. Since this also tends to make us walk funny, it can also cause problems to the legs, knees, hips, and back.

Another hazard of wearing flips flops is having things fall on your feet and toes. This can injure the toes or feet and depending on the weight of the object can cause fractures or breaks. Nail injuries to the toes are common by stumping the toes since they aren't protected. Another hazard of wearing flip flops may be skin cancer. Feet normally are covered so exposure to the sun is minimal. In the summertime, however, wearing flip flops exposes the feet. This creates a risk overtime of getting skin cancer of the feet.

People who are diabetic need to avoid flip flops altogether. An injury to the foot can cause someone with diabetes to get an infection. Also people who are over weight should wear them in moderation because of lack of support for the feet, legs and back.

Decrease The Dangers

Many, no matter the dangers, are still going to wear flip flops. There are things that can be done to decrease these dangers. One thing to do is to only wear them for short periods of time. If you are going to be walking long distances, wear a good tennis shoe instead. To help with exposure to the sun, Put sun block on the tops of your feet. When buying flip flops make sure they have a thicker sole instead of the thin ones. This adds a little more support to the feet.

Flip flops are great to wear in the summer! Just remember to wear them in moderation. Also, be careful when you are out and about and protect them toes!