Valley podiatrist: Flip flops can lead to painful injuries

PHOENIX — A Valley podiatrist wants you to ditch the flip flops this summer, citing a yearly spike in patients complaining of painful conditions or injuries.

“Wearing them often can lead to foot problems, like plantar fasciitis,” said Dr. Kelley Gillroy, podiatrist and assistant professor at Midwestern University in Glendale, Ariz. “It’s a painful condition that develops in people who often wear flip flops, because they provide no arch support or shock absorption. The combination can overstrain the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that stretches across your arch.”

In addition to that, foot experts say bone spurs, hip and ankle problems, tendonitis inflammation and even melanoma are risks associated with flimsy flip flops.

“Buy a pair that has a rigid sole (and) that offers arch support, preferably a pair made of high-quality leather,” said Gillroy.