The Dangers of Flip Flops

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), reported 25,300 injuries that were recorded to be related to flip flops in 2014. Since many flip flop related injuries did not result in a severe enough injury to require an emergency room visit, the number of flip flop injuries is actually much higher.

Most of these injuries are related to the instability of flip flops to give proper support and control over someone's balance. Falls become more likely when someone loses their balance or may trip.

Dr. Jordan Metzl, from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, says he sees a lot of people coming in for help with pain due to suddenly wearing flip-flops every day after having worn better-constructed shoes all winter. Much of the pain comes from having too much pressure placed on your tendons and bones, known as "overuse" injuries, and even from altering your foot structure.

A Cosmopolitan article notes that flip-flops can expose your feet to bacterial, viral and fungal infections, especially if you have cracked heels, because:

"They're likely covered in some nasty things, like Staphylococcus. This bacteria can irritate the skin on your foot or (in a worst-case scenario) lead to amputation. How severe exposure to Staphylococcus gets depends on whether you have open wounds — like micro-wounds from exfoliation during a recent pedicure or actual cuts — and your state of health when you pick up the bacteria."6

The structure is unsupportive to begin with. Having a Y-shaped strap that passes between your big toe and your second toe, with no supporting straps along the top, sides or around your heel is an accident waiting to happen. Many sandals do have supporting straps and are much more supportive and stable.

15 Flip Flop Problems:

1. Blisters

2. Puncture wounds

3. Torn toenails

4. Lower back pain

5. Calluses

6. Athlete's foot

7. Cuts

8. Fallen arches

9. Bruises

10. Insect bites

11. Sunburn

12. Dry, cracked heels

13. Hammer toes

14. Bunions

15. Viral infections

Wearing flip flops may be fashionable, but being fashionable sometimes comes at a price.

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