Extended time using sandals over the summer can result in pain and/or other symptoms of the foot and ankle.
Why wearing sandals and flip-flops can cause foot pain:
These sandals and flip-flops lack the arch and heel support provided by tennis shoes and other closed toed shoes, which can result in pain, nerve irritation, and/or muscular dysfunction.
The Importance of Arch Support
When there is less arch support provided by shoewear over an extended period of time, this can cause you’re arch to “collapse” or overpronate. For people who normally have flat feet, this occurs with every step and may not cause problems.
If you don’t have flat feet, overpronation can cause strain on the muscles and lead to pain, tightness, and other muscular dysfunctions. Overpronation can also create more pressure on your nerves, which can cause nerve irritation and pain. When there is less support at the arch, this also creates more pressure on other structures of the foot/ankle. These other structures may have to work harder to keep your foot functioning with less support, and can lead to diagnoses like plantar fasciitis.
