From the pool to the office to an evening out on the town, flip-flops have become a summer staple. But wearing flip-flops for an extended period of time can cause you long-term orthopedic problems like plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a common, chronic inflammatory foot condition. The plantar fascia is a flat band of ligament that runs from your heel bone across the bottom (or plantar side) of your foot to the ball where it connects to the metatarsal joints. The plantar fascia helps maintain the arch of your foot. However, if the plantar fascia becomes strained, it can tear and become inflamed, causing pain.
Flip-flops provide little-to-no support for your feet’s arches since they’re typically made from thin, flimsy materials. They also provide little-to-no padding between your feet and the ground. When you stand or walk in flip-flops on hard, flat surfaces for long periods of time, your plantar fascia can become strained. Additionally, if your feet flatten too much as you’re walking; your plantar fascia can stretch too much, causing it to swell. This lack of support and constant wear of flip-flops on hard surfaces can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis.
In fact, podiatrists are seeing more cases of heel pain, an indicator of plantar fasciitis, in young adults, ages 15 to 25 years old, who frequently wear flip-flops every day, all day. Because of the insufficient support that flip-flops provide, doctors suggest that people don’t wear them all day.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
So, how do you know if you’ve developed plantar fasciitis? You’ll experience pain on the bottom of your foot where your heel and arch meet. The pain can be especially severe when you get out of bed and take your first steps in the morning. It also can occur when you try to walk after sitting for long time periods.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Some things you can try to help your feet feel better, include:
- Give your feet a rest. Limit activities that make your feet hurt.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications to help ease pain.
- Stretch your toes, feet and calves, especially first thing in the morning.
- Ice your heels for about 20 minutes, a few times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.
- Wear sturdy shoes with a cushioned sole that provide good arch support.
- Wear ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics in your shoes. These custom-made orthotics effectively treat plantar fasciitis by supporting the arch and controlling the heel. ezWalker® Custom Orthotics reduce the tension on your plantar fascia by biomechanically correcting your gait, so your feet are positioned better as you walk.
If you decide you can’t give up your flip-flops for the summer, at least don’t wear them as often. Plus, you can always wear ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics with your flip-flops by adhering them to your shoes with a piece of Velcro®.
ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics are made using the same customized impression method found in many doctors’ offices, so you’ll receive a high-quality arch support that’s individualized for your foot’s specific structure. We’re so confident that you’ll experience substantial improvement in pain relief and comfort that we offer a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee. So, what do you have to lose, except your pain? Visit our shop to purchase your ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics today.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
Note: If you follow these guidelines and your pain persists, you may have a more serious condition. See your physician for a more complete diagnosis and treatment.
