Could flip-flops pose a health risk?
updated the Saturday, July 25, 2015Flip-flops aren’t as friendly to our feet as we thought. Between risk of infection and injury, they might even ruin our vacation. Beware!
Every summer, flip-flops season prospers at the beach, the pool, and even in town. And every summer, we’re warned against the dangers of these ‘foot thongs.’ Here are the problems and solutions explained.
THE FLIP-FLOP, A BREEDING GROUND FOR BACTERIA
Several studies have been conducted in the United States to determine the number of germs on a pair of flip-flops. The results: between 14,000 and 18,000 bacterial cells according to the number of uses and the city where you reside, yuck! Sometimes dangerous microbes such as Escherichia coli or staphylococci are just waiting to get into our body through a small cut, wound or irritation in the feet. Germs can also seep into our body via the hands and mouth when we touch our flip-flops to remove or adjust them (which we tend to do very regularly).
To avoid a nasty stomach ailment or anything worse, try to put them on and remove them without and hand contact, and wash your hands with soap and water (or antibacterial gel) if you’ve accidentally touched them. Leave them in the closet if you have any wounds or cuts, and always remove your shoes before coming home. If possible, reserve your thongs for the beach or pool, especially since it’s not advisable to wear them too often.
BEWARE OF TENDINITIS
To keep the foot in the thong, toes tend to grip onto the shoe subconsciously. In time, a painful inflammation may appear in the area: that’s tendinitis. Additionally, flip-flops soles are usually too thin to properly absorb shocks and vibrations associated with walking. In the long term, micro-fractures can crack the bones of the feet.
To continue to frolic and enjoy your holidays, reserve the use of flip-flops for the beach and pool. Choose a pair with a broad flange and thick soles to protect your soles.
Maureen Diament and Nur Syazana H.
