Can You Wear Flip Flops If You Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition that leads to heel pain, can be worsened by wearing flip flops. The lack of arch support in flip flops causes the foot to flatten excessively while walking, placing increased stress on the plantar fascia ligament. Consequently, individuals with plantar fasciitis should avoid wearing flip flops as they do not provide adequate support, potentially exacerbating the discomfort and symptoms associated with this condition. It is recommended to opt for footwear with proper arch support to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia and promote overall foot health.

The plantar fascia is a crucial connective tissue that joins the heel bone to the toes, providing essential support to the foot’s arch. However, continuous strain on this ligament can lead to the development of tiny tears, which can cause discomfort, pain, and inflammation in the heel area.

They don’t offer arch support

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot ailment that causes discomfort in the heel and arch area. This condition typically emerges from the overuse and strain placed on the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that spans from the heel to the toes.

To relieve pain, you can wear shoes that support the arch of your foot and distribute weight evenly throughout your foot. Your doctor may also recommend orthotics.

The best type of orthotics for people with plantar fasciitis are custom-made insoles that are shaped to fit your feet and are made of specific materials based on the level of support you need. They are expensive, take time to make and are not easy to access as they require specialist fitting and manufacturing.

If you can’t afford custom orthotics, prefabricated insoles are a cheaper alternative. The only drawback is that they’re not always as effective. They’re also not as comfortable as custom insoles because they don’t have the same level of support.

They’re too thin

Flip flops don’t offer any arch support, which can put stress on your plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your feet. This condition is called plantar fasciitis and can be painful.

Podiatrists recommend wearing orthotic sandals for people with plantar fasciitis, which are specifically designed to keep your foot in place while reducing the pressure on the area that causes pain. Besides providing your feet with arch support, orthopedic sandals also provide cushioning and shock absorption.

They’re also a great choice for sitting poolside or walking short distances. However, if you want to wear them on long walks, make sure they’re sturdy and have adequate arch support.

They’re not comfortable

Flip flops aren’t comfortable when worn with plantar fasciitis because they don’t offer the arch support that you need. This can put extra stress on your feet and lead to pain.

They also don’t offer cushioning to soften the impact of the heel strike, so your heels take much more of a beating when you walk in them. This can stress the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes, known as the plantar fascia.

They can also make you clumsy, causing you to take shorter steps than when you wear more supportive footwear. This could put you at risk for sprains, hammertoes and other foot problems.

They’re easy to slip off

While flip flops are a comfortable and convenient option for casual outings, they’re not the best choice for anyone who has plantar fasciitis. They’re not designed to support the feet properly and can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort.

They also lack arch support, which can lead to problems with the foot’s alignment. This can impact the way you walk and cause pain in the ankles, knees, and hips.

Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis may also experience tingling and numbness in their feet. To relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, therapists recommend stretching and placing ice on the affected area.

Luckily, there are plenty of shoes that offer plantar fasciitis relief. These include sneakers and workout shoes, dress shoes, flats, clogs, and sandals.

 

You might also like to read:

Plantar Fasciitis
Should you avoid walking with plantar fasciitis?
Is cycling good for plantar fasciitis?