FRIDAY, May 31, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- From poolside to an evening out on the town, for many people, flip-flops have become a summer staple. This popular style of footwear, however, may not be the best choice for every situation, an expert warns.
"While flip-flops are perfectly fine -- and far better than going barefoot -- in a number of settings, they do have some drawbacks," said Dr. Christina Sigur, a podiatrist and instructor in orthopedics at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
"They really don't offer too much support or protection. Wearing them too often or for certain intensive activities can lead to a variety of foot problems," she explained in a Wake Forest news release.
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these flip-flop safety tips:
The American Podiatric Medical Association noted that flip-flops are not appropriate footwear for all situations. The group advised that people not wear flip-flops when walking long distances, doing yard work or playing sports because these shoes do not offer much shock absorption or arch support, and they do not fully protect the feet.
"I specialize in foot and ankle medicine and surgery, and prevention is a big part of my practice," Sigur noted. "When it comes to flip-flops, all it really takes is a little common sense to avoid injuries."
More information
The American Podiatric Medical Association provides more flip-flop safety tips.