Is it good to wear flip flops in summer?

COLPISA

For many people, going from boots to flip-flops means that summer has arrived. At the moment when the thermometers start to skyrocket, there are many who save their winter clothes to take out the 'flip flops' and not take them off until September. They are usually very comfortable, but the truth is that the fact that they have a flat sole can cause different problems for the health of our feet.

From the Torrejón de Ardoz University Clinical Hospital they warn of the consequences that the excessive use of this footwear can have. The center's podiatrist, Carlos Perucha, points out that it is very common at this time of year for patients to come in for consultation with foot problems. The cause is always the same: “excessive use of very flat flip-flops or sandals without any type of ankle support”. The most common diseases are plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon.

Another of the most frequent problems in the summer season is the appearance of fungal and viral infections such as plantar warts, which are not serious but are very contagious. Perucha explains that fungi "usually cause a sensation of itching and are very annoying for the patient" and that to try to avoid them you have to "use shoes that are breathable and avoid excess moisture that can cause their appearance." To prevent them, he recommends adequate drying, especially in the interdigital area, that is, between the fingers.

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For their part, plantar warts, which are caused by the human papilloma virus, "are small lesions that can sometimes be confused with corns or calluses when in fact it is a viral infection and is very contagious," explains Perucha, who is one of the the few toilets in Madrid that have this specialty. He also indicates that "it usually proliferates in humid areas, especially in public showers such as swimming pools, changing rooms, gyms, so the use of flip-flops is recommended in these spaces, so as not to step directly with bare feet."

Another consequence of wearing flip-flops in summer is the appearance of blisters, chafing and the famous cracked heels. To prevent this, the expert advises moisturizing daily with creams containing between 10% and 20% urea.

Heels, no more than 4 centimeters

Carlos Perucha, remember that it is not advisable to wear heels above four centimeters, because it has been shown that it alters the biomechanics of the feet, forcing more weight and pressure to be put on the forefoot.

The position that the body takes when someone gets on high heels can cause minor problems such as chafing or blisters, but also more serious problems such as bunions, claw toes or Achilles tendinopathy. Back pain is also common, since "walking in heels causes instability and forces the body to constantly balance itself."