Summertime Footwear: Solving A Killer Style That Is A Killer Pain

If you suffer from foot pain on a daily basis, chances are you are not treating your feet properly. Feet take a beating day in and day out. From walking to jogging, dancing, and getting crammed into the wrong shoes, poor behaviors can do a number on your feet. One poor behavior is wearing the wrong type of footwear. Fortunately, identifying the problem will help you solve it before you punish your feet too severely.

Your Flips are a Flop

Flip flops are often a popular footwear choice in the spring and summer months. The fact that there are so many styles to choose from combined with the simplicity of slipping them on your feet and heading out the door in a hurry is hard to beat. Unless, of course, you consider the beating they are doing to your feet.

The only thing to hold a flip flop in place is the strip of plastic or fabric that goes between your big toe and your second toe. By wearing flip flops, you strain your feet because you need to create pressure with your toes to hold the shoes in place. Additionally, a study revealed that flip flop wearers often take shorter steps than those who wear regular shoes, which can create additional strain on the feet.

Your flip flops can lead to a wide range of problems such as tendinitis, which occurs when the tendons connected to the bones become inflamed. You may also experience ruptures and tears as time goes by. Since your toes rub against the material between them, you can also develop blisters.

The Flip Flop Alternative

Forego the flip flops in place of sandals. Although a traditional tennis shoe is far better than flip flops or sandals, sometimes you just want to allow your feet to breathe or perhaps show off your brand new pedicure. Choose a sandal with a strap that wraps along the back of the foot and one that goes across the top of the foot rather than between the toes.

Both the back strap combined with the strap across the top of your foot will put less strain on your toes and feet, therefore decreasing the development of foot problems. Make sure you also choose a sandal with cushioning to help support your arch. Of course, foot problems may arise even when you wear the proper footwear.

Addressing Foot Pain

Should you experience pain in your feet, soak them in warm water until you manage to see a podiatrist. The warm water will help relieve aches and pains. To soak your feet, fill a small tub full of warm water and add a tablespoon of Epsom salt. Let your feet soak for approximately 20 minutes to help relieve pain. In the meantime, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

For more information, contact Jeffrey M Marks DPM or a similar medical professional.