"Researchers at Auburn University have found that wearing flip-flops alters the way one walks, changing the gait in subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems. They presented these findings earlier this month at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis.

The Auburn team videotaped 39 flip-flop-wearing volunteers and noticed how they scrunched their toes to keep the flip-flop on the foot while the heel lifted in the air. This motion stretches the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that runs from heel to toe, causing inflammation, pain along the sole, heel spurs and tired feet in general." –article written by Christopher Wanjek of LiveScience

This is an observation I made early on in my studies of Foot Orthosis and Functional Biomechanics. Excessive wearing of flip-flops causes overuse of the muscles on the sole of the foot while altering walking patterns by shortening a persons stride length resulting in shortening of the hamstring muscles and tightening gluteal (butt) muscles. Furthermore flip-flops cause over-pronation. This causes the feet to turn inward resulting in stress on the shins and outer thigh.

What to wear in the summer heat? Sandals with better support such as those with back straps and full forefoot straps are a good start. I like “Birkenstock” style sandals or those made by ergonomic companies like “Bjorn” and “Crocs”.

So get some good gear for your feet and get that wholesome Vitamin D and sunny goodness.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Malik