Flip-flops
have come a long way from their humble beginnings at the beach
and public pool.
They've now infiltrated every part of our lives, from
the boardwalk to the boardroom.
But the
seemingly carefree flip-flop has a dark side:
Flip-flops are bad for your feet and your
body.
We've all
experienced that between-the-toes pleasure of a flip-flop's
spongy thong.
And, as it happens, that's just where the trouble
begins.
When
walking while wearing flip-flops, there is no healthy area of
the foot to push off of except for the base of your first two
toes-the toes that hold the thong. In other words,
if you're squeezing a thong between your first and second
toes, there is no healthy way to walk. For
example:
·
Pushing off from the inside of your big
toe results in painful, and/or fallen arches.
·
Pushing off from the inside of the big toe
also creates or worsens a bunion, and can make the toes
overlap and deform.
·
Pushing off the other toes stresses and
tightens the outer leg and hip.
·
Because you can't push the ground away
behind you, you can't take a full step and therefore you walk
with a shortened stride.
Fallen
arches, bunions, a shortened stride, tight outer legs and back
- these lead to a host of other symptoms, and may lead to
moral weakness as well.
While no direct link has been shown -- yet --
between the innocent little flip-flop and global climate
change, it's best to limit your use of flip-flops to the patio
or sauna.
Walking
in bare feet is better than walking in flip-flops.
Now you
may be thinking - You! Don't make me
choose between my flip-flops and Dr. Russell!
Sigh. If
you must wear flip flops, get thick, supportive ones
with an imprint of your foot that creates some arch
support.
Better yet, wear sandals with a strap around the back
of your heel.
This will keep you cool - in every sense - but protect
one of the most important joints in your entire body.
Email me
with questions or comments, or visit my website georgerusselldc.com.
