Long Beach Foot Expert Explains The Dangers of Popular Summer Footwear

June 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Just a few years ago, flip-flops stayed mostly on the beach or by the pool, but as fashions change, they can now be seen on feet throughout shopping malls, in supermarkets, in nightclubs and in the workplace.

Wearing flip-flops occasionally won't hurt anybody but extended use can often lead to foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain.

“Many people wear flip-flops as replacement for their normal shoe gear because they are simple to wear, especially on the weekends when they are wearing more relaxed clothing” said Karen Widerynski,  a board certified pedorthist  with Foot Solutions Long Beach.“That’s where we find many problems surface.”

When you wear a flip-flop, the front of your foot has to work harder to keep the shoe on.  That can lead to tendonitis, arch pain and hammer toes. Most flip-flops have no support and they don't absorb any of the shock the body endures with each step.

Widerynski says she sees more patients with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot during the summer months.

So what's a strappy sandal lover to do? Widerynski says there are plenty of sandals that provide enough support for your foot, and still look good too.

One example is the Orthoheel sandal which that helps restore natural foot function. Many of the hard, unnatural, surfaces we walk on  force our feet to pronate (roll over) to gain ground contact, which flattens the arches and can disrupt normal knee function and hip alignment and increase pressure on the lower back. Designed by a podiatrist, the Orthoheel has  built in orthotics which helps to restore the foots natural alignment. Orthoheel's innovative approach to foot health is recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil,  internationally-recognized pioneer of integrative medicine.

For more information on Foot Solutions full line of stylish sandals that are healthy for the feet, knees and back visit Foot Solutions Long Beach , 1811 Ximeno Avenue, Long Beach, California, 90815, phone 562-961-3200.