See http://www.livescience.com/health/080624-bad-flip-flops.html. I really do not like flip-flops for walking. It is ok to hang around the pool with them but wearing them while walking causes several problems. First, they do not give you any support. Your feet can go where ever they want and this can easily cause ankle sprains. Second, definitely a lot easier to trip over them than a regular shoe, especially on escalators. Third, in order to keep them on you have to crunch your toes which leads to swelling in the digits as well as neuromas, an inflamed nerve in the foot due to increase pressure of the bones on the nerve. Shoes have a purpose and pick a shoe for the activity you are participating in. Playing tennis, tennis shoes, walking-walking shoes, hanging around, flip-flops are fine. For more information on your feet and shoe wear go to:www.stopfootpainfast.com.
-Dr. Wishnie
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
RUNNING BARE-FOOT
I recently have been reading about bare foot running. Go to:http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/20606954.html?location_refer=Health%20+%20Wellness:highlightModules:6 and read about a MN podiatrist that runs barefoot. He states that people have been running for millions of years before Nike came around in the 80s. He said the foot was made to absorb the pounding on natural pavement. This may be true but today's surfaces are hardly natural with concrete and asphalt. In addition, there is the high possibility of stepping on a rusty nail or any other dirty object. This can lead to infections. I do agree that more cushioning is not always the best. You need to understand your feet and body. Do you have a very flexible foot or a very rigid foot or one in between? This will tell you what kind of shoe you need. Go to: www.stopfootpainfast.com for more info on your feet.
