Flip-flops and summer go together hand-in-hand. What would summer be like without flip-flops?

Well, apparently it could be a lot less painful. That’s because flip-flops are the leading cause of summer’s most common foot injury: metatarsalgia.

What’s “metatarsalgia?”

It’s inflammation of the ball of your foot. It’s extremely painful. And if you don’t treat it, it can result in stress fractures, several weeks in a cast (or worse), and a complete fracture that results in surgery.

All that from wearing seemingly innocent flip-flops? Yes.

When you walk in flip-flops, you grip the toe piece with your toes. That forces you to push the ball of your foot into the ground.

Do You Have to Stop Wearing Your Flip-Flops?

No, although it would be the simplest solution. If you insist on wearing your flip-flops, despite the risk of this painful injury, buy a pair with a stiffer sole, a slight arch, and a rocker bottom. And, buy a new pair every year.

Flats Don’t Give Your Feet a Break Either

There’s nothing positive about flats. They’re just like flip-flops. Besides exposing you to metatarsalgia, you can also become vulnerable to plantar fasciitis (a stabbing pain near the heel of your foot) or heel spur syndrome (a bony protrusion near your heel that causes pain or plantar fasciitis).

If you insist on wearing flats, you can get orthotics to help support your foot.

What Should You Wear During the Summer?

Sandals. They give you more support than flip-flops. You can find brands with built-in arch support and cupping to fit your heel. To maximize support, you want sandals with a stiffer sole and straps that cross over your foot. This takes the weight off the ball of your foot, which helps you avoid pain.

When it comes to your fashion, you’ll end up doing what you want to do. The guideline for seeking help from a podiatrist works like this:

If the pain you’re experiencing lasts more than a few days, you need to find help pronto. Not doing anything results in the pain remaining, which leads to a stress fracture you otherwise wouldn’t have experienced.

Otherwise, enjoy your summer.