Originally Posted by
baby1
Walking in flip flops is not the same as walking barefoot.
Flip flops make my hips really hurt.
"Flip-flops might feel good because they keep your feet cool. At issue, though, is their utter lack of foot support.
Walk this way
The Auburn team videotaped 39 flip-flop-wearing volunteers and noticed how they scrunched their toes to keep the flip-flip on the foot while the heel lifted in the air. This motion stretches the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that runs from heel to toe, causing inflammation, pain along the sole, heel spurs and tired feet in general.
These symptoms were actually what flip-flop wearers at Auburn University had reported upon returning to classes in the fall. An entire summer of flip-flop wearing had taken its toll.
The researchers also found that the volunteers altered their gait , taking shorter strides and turning their ankles inward, likely to keep the flip-flop from falling off. This, the researchers worry, can cause long-term ankle and hip problems.
Sandals with heel straps are the healthier choice because your foot doesn't need to clench to keep the footwear secure. These kinds of shoes offer better arch and heel support, too. "