The Evils of the Flip-Flop

I'm as saddened by this article, summer-loving-fool that I am--as you are.

Flip-Flops Can Cause Long-Term Health Problems

Walking in flip-flops is a possible cause of aches and pains all over the body, according to a new study from the American College os Sports Medicine.

In fact, podiatrists say that summer's favorite footwear is responsible for more health problems than any other type of shoe, even high heels.

"We became interested in flip-flops when we noticed an increase in lower leg pain when our students came back from summer and were transitioning back into wearing tennis shoes and street shoes, "said [sic] Prof. Wendi Weimer of Auburn University, who se up an experiment with her graduate students to look at how the foot hits the ground. Participants were asked to wear either sneakers or thong flip-flops.

With the average American taking between 10,000 and 20,000 steps each day, the small changes in one's gait can add up to serious injury.

"The major shock absorption occurs back on the heel and if the surface between the heel and the ground is not supported it does not allow the heel to absorb shock as well as it should. Which means the foot works harder than it should and people tend to develop overuse injuries such as tendonitis, or in this case, lower leg, knee, hip, and back problems, explained [sic] Dr Rock Positano from the Hosptial for Special Surgery in New York.

Fortunately for flip-flop fanatics, Positano says you don't have to throw away those thongs sandals yet:

"Look, this is not an attack on a flip-flop or a flip-flop like shoe. Once again it has to do with when you wear the flip-flop. If it's for haging out around the swimming pool or hanging out around the beach or hanging out with your friends, they're fine."