Risks Associated with Flip Flops
Flip flops are a popular choice for warm weather due to their comfort and ease. However, they offer little to no protection for the feet. For people with diabetes, this lack of protection can pose significant risks:
- Increased risk of injury: Flip flops provide minimal coverage, leaving the feet vulnerable to cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. For someone with diabetes, even a small cut can become a serious issue if not properly cared for.
- Exposure to foreign objects: Flip flops do not protect the feet from sharp objects, hot surfaces, or other hazards that could cause injury.
- Poor foot support: Flip flops often lack the arch support and stability that people with diabetes need to prevent foot problems like plantar fasciitis or other structural issues.
- Increased risk of infection: If an injury occurs while wearing flip flops, the risk of infection is higher due to the open nature of the footwear.
Considerations for People with Diabetes
Given the potential risks, it’s essential for people with diabetes to carefully consider their footwear choices. While flip flops might be comfortable and convenient, they may not be the best option for everyday wear, especially in situations where the feet are more prone to injury.
Alternatives to Flip Flops
For people with diabetes, it’s often recommended to opt for shoes that provide better protection and support. Some alternatives to flip flops include:
- Closed-toe shoes: Shoes that cover the entire foot can protect against injuries and provide better support.
- Orthotic shoes: Custom orthotics or shoes designed for people with diabetes can offer additional support and protection.
- Therapeutic footwear: Specialized footwear designed for people with diabetes can help prevent foot complications and promote healing.
Instead, individuals with diabetes should prioritize footwear that offers protection, support, and comfort to help prevent complications and maintain foot health. Consulting with a healthcare provider or podiatrist can provide personalized guidance on the best footwear options for managing diabetes-related foot issues.
Words from article seen here
Related Post
Tips for older adults about looking after your feet - especially important if you are diabeticread it here
Please be aware that articles, and any comments, within this blog are provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor, pharmacist or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider.
All the best Jan
All the best Jan
28 comments:
This is very interesting Jan. I never knew that about diabetes, neuropathy and footwear. I know someone who is taking medicine and one of the side effects is neuropathy. Thank you for another interesting article.
i wear flip flops, it's all i wear!! once i enclose my feet in a shoe, i get terrible nerve pain!! i know they are not a good choice, that i should find something better...but i never seem to find something that works for me!! good information though...most of it i knew!!
We all have to be more careful as we age. Good article Jan. Thanks!
I wear good quality flip flops (used to be Teva, now Tidewater Sandals.) The footbed is thick, has an arch and foot support, and is sized so that the sole is big enough to protect from injuries. My feet and toes are free to move around and stay flexible. Neuropathy can happen with diabetes, no matter what type of shoe you wear. I've tripped in tennies and nursing shoes, and run IV poles over my toes. (Retired.) Has not happened in flip flops. I wear socks and tennies for yardwork. Elsewhere and in the house, its flip flops. Linda in Kansas
Makes a lot of sense.
I don’t have diabetes, but I stopped wearing flip-flops a few years back after a fall. I’ve got some hiking sandals with good support, but lately my hip has been bothering me with a throbbing ache at night and during the day. I started wearing my good walking shoes and using a knee pillow at night, and that seems to have cured it, at least for now.
Gracias por los consejos. Te mando un beso.
...I once did, but now!
I am pre-diabetic for about 10 years now. I do know about neuropathy and I wear Skechers wide shoes for comfort. I also wear Dr. Scholl's compression socks. Thankfully I haven't had any experience with neuropathy for years now, but I remember the numbness and pain in my toes and it is not fun!
I don't wear flip flops or any shoes that don't cover my entire foot.
Thank you so much for sharing this, dear Jan!
Uh oh... This is really good for me to know.
thankfully I don't have diabetes but do have many foot problems that has made me have to wear shoes all the time, I do miss being bare foot or wearing flip flops.
I know that flip flops are handy summer footwear but I find them unsuitable for myself. I have tripped more than once while wearing them.
Very good information-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
Very interesting, Thank you!
Good advice for footwear for those that have diabetes, Jan.
Such a great article, Jan! Information I didn't know.
Greetings,
G.
Thanks for the info. I don't wear flip-flops either; I don't feel secure in them, and they aren't healthy for me. I don't want to go to the trouble of having special ones made, either.
Hugs, Elke
Great information! I can not wear flip-flip, they are too flat.
Take care, have a great day!
Personally, I don't think ANYONE should wear flip flops!
As I got older and as they came out with those water friendly hiking sandals, I now never wear flip-flops. But I used to love them.
No to flip flops!
Aye Jan, this is proper useful advice. Folk often chuck on flip flops without a second thought during the warm weather, but those wee hidden cuts can turn into right nasty infections. Keeping your feet covered up with sturdy, supportive shoes is definitely the way to go. Appreciate you sharing this, pal.
My podiatrist says NO one should wear flip flops. Great post, Jan.
No flip flops!
Interesting information, thank you!
I'm not sure anyone should wear flip flops!
Gracias por toda la información, mi marido es diabético. Besos.
I had never thought about this issue before so thank you for the information, Jan. I'm not a flip flop footwear person myself, prefering a sandal instead.
Post a Comment