Why People Should STOP Wearing Flip-Flops: 7 Scary Reasons To Prove They Are Terrible For Your Health

June 11, 2018

When you think of summer, you most likely imagine a nice warm beach, sunscreen, and flip-flops. While there’s nothing bad about the first two, the third one definitely can pose a threat to your health. Doctors have discovered a lot of reasons why you shouldn’t wear flip-flops (at least not on a daily basis). Let’s find out what harm they can cause.

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Your feet are exposed to bacterial and fungal infections

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According to Dr. Jackie Sutera, DPM, your feet are most likely to be covered in Staphylococcus, when wearing flip-flops. This bacteria irritates your skin and can even lead to amputation (the worst case scenario). You are especially in danger if you have micro-wounds from recent pedicure procedure or actual cuts.

A fungal infection called Athlete’s foot is also a welcome guest if you are wearing flip-flops. Your feet are not protected against this highly contagious infection. A small contact with the contaminated surface can be enough to develop the itchy disease.

Higher risk of foot injuries

Many experts believe flip-flops are the most dangerous shoes out there. Due to the lack of support, you can sprain your ankle or even develop critical issues, like plantar fasciitis for instance, which is an inflammatory process of tissue on the bottom of your foot.

Flip-flops can cause bone problems

Wearing flip-flops for a long period of time can lead to the development of bone spur, a very painful buildup on the back or bottom of the heel. This can even alter the way you walk. Moreover, such flat shoes like flip-flops are guaranteed to mess up your posture. This can lead to chronic knee, hip, and back pain.

Your toes can be permanently deformed

Have you ever heard of hammertoe? Well, to keep your feet in your flip-flops, you often have to curl your toes down, which can stay in this position forever. In such way, your toes would look like little hammers.

Horrible accidents can happen

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Since flip-flops aren’t very durable, imagine riding your car wearing them, when the latter ones break or slide off your feet and mess up with the gas pedal.

Toxic materials

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It doesn’t matter if they are not made in China – plastic straps can be made of BPA-laden plastic, which can presumably be a cause of various types of cancer. Moreover, these straps can be made of latex, which can cause an allergic reaction in many people.

Terrible blisters and inability to run

Friction between your skin and those little straps can cause awful irritation, which might result in blisters that will heal for more than a week. Moreover, some people can try running in flip-flops, but this will only increase friction, thus multiplying chances of getting blisters on your feet. Also, anyone who runs in flip-flops can easily trip and break something (nose, arm, leg, etc.).

We believe these 7 factors are enough of a reason for you to opt for another type of shoes. Take care and stay healthy!

Source: Reader's Digest, Everyday Health, Cosmopolitan

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.