Despite their popularity for easy slip-on wear and breathability, flip flops may be detrimental to your foot health. Although flip flops might appear ideal for warm weather, they lack the necessary support and stability for everyday use. Blisters can develop due to friction between toes and straps, particularly when moisture is present. Heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, often arises from the absence of adequate arch support, resulting in excessive stretching of ligaments. Also, the design of flip flops increases the risk of sprained ankles over time. Walking in flip flops can cause shin splints due to overworked leg muscles. While wearing flip flops suffice for light activities, such as trips to the beach or as protective footwear in gym showers, they are ill-suited for prolonged wear or physical exertion. It is more advisable to choose supportive footwear when engaging in strenuous tasks as a way of preventing foot and leg discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain related to wearing flip flops, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer tailored advice and appropriate treatment. 

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

• Hammertoes

• Bunions

• Plantar fasciitis

• Heel spurs 

• Cracked heels

• Plantar warts

• Athlete’s foot

• Foot pain

• Foot and ankle injuries

• Gait changes

• Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels can be more than just a cosmetic concern, as they can often indicate underlying medical conditions that require attention. One common reason for cracked heels is dry skin, which occurs when the skin lacks moisture and becomes thick and rough, leading to fissures and cracks. However, several medical conditions can exacerbate this issue. For instance, eczema and psoriasis can cause dry, itchy skin that may lead to cracking, while thyroid disorders can disrupt the body's ability to produce adequate oils, resulting in dry skin. Diabetes is another significant contributor, as it can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, making the skin more susceptible to dryness and cracking. Additionally, fungal infections such as athlete's foot can cause dry, flaky skin on the heels, which may crack if left untreated. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition, in addition to determining what the cause is.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing

• Wearing open-back shoes

• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels

• Living in a cold or dry climate

• Taking long, hot showers

• Not moisturizing the heels

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Palmoplantar keratoderma

• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet

• Exfoliating with a pumice stone

• Moisturizing the heels

• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels

• Avoiding prolonged standing 

• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers

• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the foot, develops when tissue thickens around the nerves leading to the toes. It generally occurs between the third and fourth toes, causing discomfort, numbness, or a burning sensation, often likened to walking on a pebble. A common cause can be from frequently wearing high heels, as there is limited room in the toe area. Recognizing the symptoms is essential for an early diagnosis. Typically, individuals with Morton's neuroma experience sharp pain in the ball of the foot, exacerbated by walking or wearing tight shoes. To diagnose this condition, chiropodists conduct a thorough physical examination, checking the foot for tenderness and swelling. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of foot pain. Early detection is essential for effective management, which may include wearing supportive footwear, using custom orthotic devices, or in severe cases, surgical intervention to remove the affected nerve tissue. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

• Foot pain

• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot

• The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.