Pam headed to our friends at Pennell Chiropractic to see if they could help.  Ken and Steve were able to diagnose the problem as being her shoe of choice this summer, her flip flops.  I guess as a seasoned runner I guessed all of you were aware of the fact that flip-flops are horrible for your feet. 

According to Dr. Rock Positano, a podiatrist at New York's Hospital for Special Surgery.  "Flip-flops have singlehandedly caused more problems with people's feet in the last couple years than probably any other type of shoe,"

Flip-flops offer no support for the person wearing them and because of this, those who wear them are looking at short and long-term injuries from the shoe.

"The problem is there is absolutely no support & the foot is able to go in any direction it wants to go in, and it directly impairs the ability of the foot to function as a shock absorbing part of the body," Positano explained.

Flip-flops can cause nerve damage, ligament damage, tendon damage, tendonitis, sprains and even stress fractures and breaks.

Furthermore, if you have flat feet or high arches, you are more at risk of injury.

"These foot types normally will predispose a person to developing problems with their tendons with joint stability," Positano said. "And long term there is always the possibility of developing chronic tendinitis or overuse injuries not only in the ankle but also the knee, the hip and the back."

Positano said that in moderation, flip-flops are fine. The problems arise when people wear them for long periods and long distances at a time.

Sarah Antal mentioned pain at the top of her foot and other run clubbers mentioned cramping in the toes, ankle pain and knee pain since they started wearing the flip-flops.

There are alternatives.  The American  Podiatric Medical Association have approved a list of approved sandals.  You can also find quality, feet friendly sandals at our favorite shoe store, Second Sole.  Head to Second Sole and check out the huge selection of flip-flops and sandals that have the support all runners need for their feet.