Flip-Flops Tied to Surge in Teenage Heel Pain: MD Podiatrist

Many are welcoming the warmer weather sporting flip-flop sandals; however, their popularity among teens and young adults is responsible for a growing epidemic of heel pain in this population, Dan Michaels, DPM says.
 
“We’re seeing more heel pain than ever in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that usually doesn’t have this problem,” Michaels said. “A major contributor is wearing flip-flop sandals with paper-thin soles every day to school. Flip-flops have no arch support and can accentuate any abnormal biomechanics in foot motion, and this eventually brings pain and inflammation.” Dr. Michaels recommends wearing sandals with reasonably strong soles and arch support.