Slipping Tripping Flipping The Most Dangerous Shoe Flipflops

Slipping, Tripping & Flipping: “The Most Dangerous Shoe”

Flip-flops: “More Dangerous than High Heels? ” • “Frankly, flip-flops are dangerous. They are the most flimsy, unsupportive piece of footwear you can wear. ” – Dr. Tariq Khan – Chief Podiatrist London University Hospital – Quoted in London Daily Mail, June 15, 2015

Documented Injury Risk • • • Tendinitis Plantar fasciitis Foot pain Ankle sprains Low back pain Sciatica • Stubbed & broken toes • Ripped off toe nails • Infections- especially among diabetics • Increased fall risk, especially among older adults: – – Fractured hip Concussion Broken knees Fractured wrists

Flip-Flops & Injury “Today. com” June 9, 2015 • In the US (2014) 25, 000 documented ER visits due to injuries caused by flip-flops • Annual ER visit: $1500 • This does not account for indirect, non-emergency injuries • Children, seniors at greatest risk

Why They Are Dangerous ACE Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, June 2015 • • No arch support No heel cushioning No shock absorption Increased fall risk – Mainly “trip & falls” • Increased auto accident risk – The shoes get intertwined with the gas or brake pedal.

Gait Changes: Wearing flip-flops changes your gait ACE Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, June 2015 • Toes clench • Ankles turn out • Stride length decreases • Speed slows • Shuffling begins • Trip risk goes up

What Are They Best For? • Walking across hot sand at the beach. • In a public shower, to prevent athlete’s foot. • That’s it!

The Ideal Shoe • The ideal shoe has a ½” to 1” heel and is “locked” to your foot. • If you can’t run in it, you can’t walk in it. • "The foot is a masterpiece of technology, and you need to pamper it like you do your face and hair. “ – Marc A. Brenner, DPM – Founder, Institute for Diabetic Foot Research, Glendale, N. Y.

Just Say “No” – to Flip Flops • “I blew out my flip-flop Stepped on a pop-top Cut my heel & had to cruise on back home” – “Margaritaville” – Jimmy Buffett, 1977