When the temperatures rise and the days stretch, many people bypass their sneakers in favor of sandals and flip-flops. However, while these shoes offer a way to beat the heat, they may not provide your joints with the support they need.
Good Support Starts from the Bottom
When it comes to supporting your body, you need to start at the very bottom.
Consider this: when you’re standing, what part of your body holds all your weight? Your feet do, which places a lot of pressure (literally!) on your feet and ankles. However, your feet don’t have to act alone—shoes with proper arch support and cushioning help take on some of the impact, offering your entire body support.
Additionally, your shoes impact how you walk. Specifically, when a shoe doesn’t offer much arch or heel support, your gait may misalign, which can cause you to walk differently. It may seem minor, but even changing your walking stride can cause your joints and ligaments to become strained as they compensate for these changes.
Your shoes can affect your whole body, as well. For instance, if your walking stride changes, your posture may become affected, which can then put pressure on your other joints, especially those in the back.
When you take all this into consideration, it’s clear that your footwear choice is much more than just a style option.
How Summer Shoes Affect Your Body
Flip flops and sandals typically don’t offer much in terms of arch or heel support, meaning there is no extra cushion to help mitigate some of the impact of walking and standing. The result? Your feet take on it all.
Furthermore, when you’re walking around in flip flops, you may curl your toes (even unknowingly) to keep the shoes in place. This can affect your stride, which then places greater strain on muscles and ligaments throughout your body.
As for what problems may result from walking in flip flops or sandals, the list may include:
– Plantar fasciitis
– Ankle pain
– Shin splints
– Knee pain
– Back pain
– Hip pain
Just one outfit choice in the summer may have more of an impact than you realize, and it’s all because your shoes set the foundation for your body’s support.
Enjoy The Sun, with The Proper Footwear
Summer brings along a desire to ditch the confining shoes of winter in favor of something that allows your feet to breathe. However, your shoes are the foundation of your body’s support, so it’s important that you choose your footwear wisely.
Invest in a good pair of sandals that have arch support and shock absorption. You can test for arch support by pushing the toe and heel ends of the shoe up—there should be some give, but they should never fold completely in half. Furthermore, ensure that the material at the top of the shoe allows you to flex your toes and avoid anything too rigid. It may also benefit you to opt for a sandal that secures around the ankle rather than a flip flop, since this can help prevent toe-curling while walking.
If you’re already experiencing foot pain that has migrated to your hips or back, allow Dr. Brian Larkin or Dr. Jordan Kump at Orthopedic Associates to help you determine the cause and find a solution. It’s our goal to help you live life to the fullest, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment so you can enjoy the warm days of summer.
