Flip Flops And Other Hazards For Your Feet

Summer is here and that means it's time to show off your tootsies. But before you start in with the weekly  pedicures or start running barefoot through the park, here's some common myths that could actually harm your feet.

Myth: Flats, flip-flops and even going barefoot are perfectly fine for your feet.

Fact: Flip flops do not provide any support and can lead to ankle sprains and tendonitis. Flats can be painful to your feet by causing severe heel pain and blisters. Walking barefoot can lead to foot problems such as cuts, abrasions, bruises and puncture wounds.

Diagnosis: Wear flip-lops or flats, but only for a few hours at a time.  If you wear them longer, stretch your Achilles tendon afterward. As for walking barefoot - only at home - but still be careful of small objects that could be caught in your carpet.

Myth: You don't need to put sunscreen on your feet.

Fact:  Forgetting to apply sunscreen to your feet can increase the risk of skin cancer.  Too often African and Asian American women don't believe this is necessary because of their darker skin tone.

Diagnosis: No matter what your race or ethnicity, the legs and feet are not immune to the sun's effects  So be sure to use suncreen with an SPF of at least 30 with both UVB and UVA protection, and re-apply every few hours.

Myth: All pedicure salons use sterile instruments, so they are safe.

Fact: Unfortunately, this is not always the case. To be safe, it's best to invest in your own nail files, clippers and cuticle sticks.  If you choose to use shop instruments, make sure they are well sterilized after each use.

Myth: Soaking your feet in the motorized tub at a nail salon is perfectly fine, because they scrub them out after each use.

Fact: Often the antiseptic that is put in the water between clients doesn't catch all the germs. Bacteria and fungus can get caught in the filter of the motorized tub and still cause a problem.

Diagnosis:  It would be safer to ask the technician if they have a clean bowl or basin to use instead, with individual liners for even greater protection.

This summer take care of your feet.  We all know how painful it is when you don't.