Ohio University students are donning their favorite pairs of flip-flops and sandals in celebration of the warmer spring weather. But with just a piece of foam rubber protecting their feet from the ground, students might find themselves with long- and short-term foot pain.
Sophomore Molly Dwyer learned this lesson all too well. She was barefoot as she made her way down Morton Hill Wednesday with blisters on the tops of her toes and the sides of her feet, holding her brand-new pair of brown leather slides.
If it was up to me I'd probably wear sneakers and Tevas (sports sandals) all day
but they just don't look right with capris and skirts said Dwyer, who plans to return her shoes.
Dr. Jeff Wilson, a podiatrist at the Gentle Foot Care center in Columbus, said calluses around the heels are a common result of wearing flip flops. These thick, hardened formations of dead skin can crack, become sore and sometimes bleed.
Flip-flop-wearing feet are more vulnerable to traumatic injuries and environmentally-spread infections. They also do not get proper arch support in the everyday pair of flip-flops, which can lead to long-term foot problems.
I think the only benefit of flip-flops is comfort. There's really no benefit to the foot for wearing a flip-flop Wilson said. If someone's going to be wearing a flip-flop or sandal
get one with arch support.
He recommended a comfortable pair of athletic shoes for walking around a hilly, uneven campus like OU's.
Calluses can be treated at home by using skin moisturizer. Severe calluses should be treated by a podiatrist, who will shave off the dead skin with a blade. Wilson also said washing and drying one's feet well is important.
Mardee Dunzweiler, a freshman who currently has three blisters on her feet, continues to wear flip-flops despite knowing the drawbacks. She has fallen like
25 times
in her tractionless flip-flops, and often has to soak her feet because of the dirt they are exposed to.
My feet need to be free! she said, evoking rallying yeahs from five others at her lunch table.
Renee Snyder, a freshman who has had foot surgery, gets a salon pedicure biweekly, and pampers her feet by soaking and scrubbing them every day. Her friend Renee Sovern calls Snyder a foot fanatic.
Snyder said she would wear sandals even if she knew they would cause pain later. If they're cute
they go with the outfit
I'll do it.
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